Around 80 jobs could go at fish farms amid ‘temporary closure’

Around 80 jobs could go at two fish farms in the Western Isles, following a decision to ‘temporarily close’ the sites.

Bakkafrost Scotland confirmed on Thursday that its facilities at Marybank and Arnish in Stornoway will be closed for an “extended” period.

The company claimed that after harvesting the majority of its production in the first part of the year, there will be minimal activity over the next 18 months and as a result, dozens of jobs could be lost.

Bakkafrost added that the decision to shutter the sites had been made to “futureproof the business and secure our remaining staff”.

A consultation period will begin shortly with those who may be affected by job losses.

The decision has been slammed by newly-elected Western Isles MP Torcuil Crichton, who claimed it is unlikely the sites will reopen.

He added: “This is grave blow for the Marybank employees, some of whom are long-serving and skilled staff, and the island economy.

“I have spoken to the company this week and realistically does not look likely that the mothballed plant will be re-opened.”

“Bakkafrost have given an assurance that the 80 plus fishfarm site jobs in the Western Isles are secure but I urge HIE and the Scottish Government and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to have a co-ordinate a response to find alternative employment for the workers and to help maintain the fishfarm sector in the islands.”

Tom Arthur, minister for employment and investment, said: “This is clearly a significant blow to Bakkafrost employees and their families, as well as to Stornoway where this is a very important employer

“Along with the cabinet secretary for rural affairs, I plan to speak to senior management at the earliest opportunity to discuss this decision and explore ways to mitigate its effects. Bakkafrost has made substantial investments in its long term future in Scotland. The company remains a regionally significant employer and a major player in the aquaculture sector.

“Our Partnership Action for Continuing Employment team will offer its full support to any employees who may be facing redundancy.”

A spokesperson for Bakkafrost Scotland said: “I can confirm we are considering a temporary, but extended, closure of our facilities at Marybank and Arnish in Stornoway, affecting around 80 jobs.

“As our communicated plans, the business has harvested the majority of our production in the first part of the year and there will be minimal harvesting activity over the next 18 months in the North, this is due to stocking timing and locations.

“Our board has been forced to consider extremely difficult scenarios in order to futureproof the business and secure our remaining staff across Scotland. One of the scenarios proposed is that we close the Arnish Harvest Station and the Marybank Processing Facility, for an extended period.

“We intend to start a period of collective consultation with those potentially affected and hope to complete this over the coming weeks.”