| Devastating Blow To Western Isles Economy | 24 September 2008 |
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Responding to an announcement from Lighthouse Caledonia about the future of their business in the Western Isles, The Vice-Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar , Mr Angus Campbell, said: “The news from Lighthouse Caledonia that they are considering closing their fish processing facilities in Stornoway is desperately disappointing. The closure of the factory, if it happens, will be a severe blow to the employees who have served the company well over the past years and a devastating blow to the already-fragile economy of the Outer Hebrides. It is incredibly disappointing that the company did not seek dialogue with the Comhairle or other agencies ahead of this announcement. It is essential that we seek to enter into immediate discussion with the company to identify solutions and find a way to ensure that these processing facilities are retained in the Outer Hebrides. In this regard we are writing to the company, to HIE and the Scottish Government seeking a round table meeting to ensure we find a way to protect these important local jobs and to retain a fish-processing capacity on these islands. I would hope this can be achieved shortly and that there is a serious commitment on all sides to ensuring the retention of this business and these facilities. The Harris Tweed industry is going through a hard time, we are seeing lay-offs in the construction industry and now there is the prospect of this serious blow to the local economy. The Western Isles was recently described by Enterprise Minister Jim Mather as a ‘litmus test for the Scottish economy’ – if we are still that we are moving further into the red.” Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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