JOBS BOOST FOR METHIL

I warmly welcome the news that Methil has landed a major offshore fabrication contract.

Harland and Wolff, who recently took over the former BiFab yards in Methil, has won the contract for the fabrication and load-out of eight wind turbine jacket foundations for the Neart na Gaoithe wind farm off Scotland’s east coast. The company has confirmed that the work, which is expected to create about 290 direct and indirect jobs will principally be conducted at the Methil yard.

This is a massive boost for Methil and the rest of Levenmouth. There’s been no shortage of bad news over the last few years but today’s announcement confirms that some of the biggest names in renewable energy production have recognised that Methil has what it takes to succeed.

It’s a vote of confidence in the yard’s new management and in the skilled workforce Levenmouth can provide. I think it’s highly significant that Harland & Wolff’s owners are already talking optimistically about winning further contracts.

We may be some way from the peak numbers the yard used to employ but there’s a real prospect that this first contract will lead to many more. The Scottish Government is committed to making Scotland a world leader in renewable energy production and Methil is ideally placed to play its part in delivering that vision.

To read more from Harland & Wolff click here.