Bakkafrost Scotland – a leading producer of farmed salmon – has announced plans to extend temporary closures of two of its sites in the Western Isles. The company announced that the majority of the salmon processed at its Marybank and Arnish sites have been harvested, and following this there will be little to no activity at these locations for the next 18 months.
The decision, according to Bakkafrost, was made in order to secure the future of its business and remaining staff.
As 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.”
The announcement has caused concern in the area.
“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 it does not look likely that the mothballed plant will be re-opened,” said Torcuil Crichton, Western Isles MP, as reported by STV.
“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,” he added.
“This is clearly a significant blow to Bakkafrost employees and their families, as well as to Stornoway where this is a very important employer,” said minister for employment and investment Tom Arthur.
“Our Partnership Action for Continuing Employment team will offer its full support to any employees who may be facing redundancy,” he concluded.
