There's some renewed hope for Arnish as a new buyer is found

This highly strategic acquisition of assets and leases spans across two former BiFab sites in Methil on the east coast and Arnish on the Western Isles.

Both sites will trade under the Harland & Wolff brand and will represent the final fabrication piece of its UK footprint, positioning the company to fully deliver on its existing strategy quicker than it would have done with only its two existing sites: Harland & Wolff (Belfast) and Harland & Wolff (Appledore).

Methil, the larger of the two sites will be heavily focussed on fabrication for the oil and gas, commercial and renewables markets, whilst Arnish, the company said, lends itself to multiple opportunities across all Harland & Wolff’s five markets: defence, oil & gas, renewables, commercial and cruise and ferry.

John Wood, CEO of InfraStrata, commented: “With this acquisition, we now have a footprint in Scotland, which is the hotbed for major wind farm projects as well as for shipbuilding programmes. We have now positioned ourselves strategically across the UK with four sites capable of servicing our five core markets."

Responding to the news of the £850,000 deal for the former BiFab yards at Methil and Arnish, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “We welcome that Interstrata plc has purchased BiFab from administration and will take over the yards at Methil in Fife and Arnish in the Western Isles. We are also pleased that the company has referred to the future of renewables in Scotland and that Interstrata has a positive engagement with trade unions."

Alasdair Allan MSP commented: “It’s good news that Arnish has a new operator. I believe very firmly that the yard does have a future, and Harland & Wolff have obviously seen its potential.

“I am eager to hear more about their plans, including what this is likely to mean in terms of local employment, and have sought a meeting with the company.”

Local MP Angus MacNeil said: “This is great news for Arnish. I’m delighted to see some advancement and use of the asset, hopefully it will go from strength to strength, and this will be the right move that the yard is needing."

The Comhairle strategy during the administration process was to seek an outcome that delivered year-round economic activity with long term sustainable employment and where the anchor tenant has freedom to market Arnish Yard as a distinct facility and primary location for its operations.

A spokesman said: “It is too early to judge whether the acquisition by InfraStrata plc delivers on these aspirations.

Cllr Donald Crichton, Chairman of Sustainable Development said, “It is essential that history does not repeat itself and that any new leaseholder has a robust, costed and sustainable business plan. We will be writing to the company to seek early engagement and reassurances around their strategy for the next period and to get an understanding of the proposals which they have outlined."