Bakkafrost Scotland site closures put jobs at risk

A spokesman for the company said it was considering a temporary, but extended, closure of its facilities at Marybank and Arnish in Stornoway due to a lack of activity over the next year and a half.

“As our communicated plans, the business has harvested the majority of our production in the first part of the year and there will be minimal harvesting activity over the next 18 months in the North, this is due to stocking timing and locations,” ​the spokesman explained.

Futureproofing the business

“Our board has been forced to consider extremely difficult scenarios in order to futureproof the business and secure our remaining staff across Scotland. One of the scenarios proposed is that we close the Arnish Harvest Station and the Marybank Processing Facility, for an extended period.”​

Bakkafrost Scotland said the closures would affect about 80 jobs at the two sites. It is not known at this time whether these roles would be made redundant or moved to other parts of the business.

“We intend to start a period of collective consultation with those potentially affected and hope to complete this over the coming weeks,” ​the spokesman added.

Local impact

Bakkafrost is reportedly one of the largest employers in the Western Isles. Western Isles SNP MSP Alasdair Allan said the potential job losses would be ‘devastating’ for the local community.

“I fear for the impact this decision could have on the wider economy and community in the islands, and this was my message when I met the company by phone this afternoon,” ​said Allan.

“Importantly, I intend to meet with representatives of the workforce at their earliest convenience to see what more can be done to support workers and their families during this difficult time.”​

Meanwhile, Pilgrim’s Europe has announced plans to close its Spurway factory, threatening 270 jobs.​​