Lighthouse Caledonia has admitted that closing the facility in early 2009 is a possibility as it is unsuited to modern techniques and has become inefficient. In addition, a reduced supply of salmon from the Western Isles with fish not anticipated to reach harvest size until May combined with Lighthouses environmental commitment in loch management means that for the first half of 2009 means there will be no processing work at that time.
Russell Ferguson, company spokesman, said: We are sorry that this situation has arisen but we have to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business and secure as many jobs as possible.
We continue to be committed to farming high quality salmon in the Western Isles. We will do all that we can over the coming months to discuss the options with everyone involved to try to come up with the best solution to assist us in realising our future growth ambitions, he added.
The company is also to close its small smoke house operation at the Stornoway plant.
Few Options Left for Failing Fish Plant
SCOTLAND, UK - Independent Scottish salmon farming company Lighthouse Caledonia is to discuss the options for the fish processing plant in Stornoway after politicians expressed concerns about the factory's future.