Comhairle Welcomes Arnish Announcement

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has welcomed the announcement of new work coming to Arnish. 

The Chairman of Sustainable Development, Cllr Donald Crichton, who visited the Yard today together with Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, said: “This is excellent news and the Comhairle is pleased to see work start back at Arnish producing piles for the Moray East wind farm.”

“Over the last year, the Comhairle has been involved in discussions with management, agencies, and the new owners.

“It is very encouraging that those discussions and work with agencies, including the Scottish Government, are now delivering a positive outcome.

“The new owners have indicated they are keen to grow the business and the Comhairle will continue to work in partnership in securing a sustainable and successful future for the yard”.

As well as the Minister and company representatives from Bi-Fab and DF Barnes, those attending at Arnish today included representatives of HIE, Lews Castle College, GeoSea, Stornoway Trust and Stornoway Port Authority.

Following the Arnish visit representatives of DF Barnes attended a meeting at the Comhairle offices for discussions with Comhairle and HIE representatives. Cllr Crichton said: “The Comhairle was encouraged to hear the company’s commitment to long term training and apprenticeships and of their enthusiasm for additional work and a long term future for the yard at Arnish. They clearly recognised the value of the local highly skilled workforce and the meeting was very positive.”