Western Isles MP Torcuil Crichton welcomes Arnish yard rescue deal
19 December 2024
Western Isles MP Torcuil Crichton has welcomed the news that the Arnish fabrication
yard in Stornoway has been saved from closure.
He described the buyout move as “a major achievement” that came from having a Labour
government looking out for the islands.
The MP said: “This is the best Christmas present that the Arnish workforce and the
Isle of Lewis could have. There are over 150 jobs at the yard, from apprentices to
journeymen, and losing those jobs and that wage bill would have been a major blow
to the economy.”
He paid tribute to the workforce and management at Arnish who impressed the new owners
when they inspected the site earlier this year.
Mr Crichton also praised the role of Jonathan Reynolds, the UK government Business
Secretary, and Scottish Secretary Ian Murray for pressing the case for Arnish.
Reynolds insisted the Arnish be included in any deal with Navantia after he met the
staff with Torcuil on a visit to the yard with during the general election campaign.
Mr Crichton added: “There should be no doubt, it is a Labour government that kept
the lights on at Arnish.
“Jonathan Reynolds and Ian Murray at the Scotland Office pushed hard for Arnish and
Methil in Fife to be part of the take-over package. Labour Ministers proved they
are committed to an industrial strategy and to Scotland.”
“Hopefully, the deal which emerged will secure jobs at Arnish. The collapse of Harland
and Wolff was a big bump in the road, there will be others to come, but for now the
yard and the jobs seem safe.”
“That’s a major achievement and that is down to having a Labour government and Labour
Ministers committed to the islands and to people.”
