Western Isles MP and MSP call for Arnish to benefit from offshore wind power

Angus Macneil

Western Isles  MP, Angus MacNeil , and MSP, Alasdair Allan, have today called on Highlands and Islands Enterprise to make Stornoway and the Arnish Fabrications Yard a strategic location for offshore wind turbine maintenance and manufacture throughout Scotland.

The places designated by Scottish Enterprise and HIE as key locations for offshore wind suppliers should see the benefit of £15 billion of spending on offshore wind turbines in the next ten years.

Being a strategic location could see infrastructure improved to ensure the site provides a supportive business environment for the growing offshore renewables sector.

Angus MacNeil explained to Hebrides news Today:

“This would be a huge boost to the Arnish facility and to the wider Lewis economy in general. This yard is one of the most advanced in Scotland and is fully geared up for the work that is expected to come from the renewable industry in the years ahead.”

Alasdair Allan told Hebrides news Today:

“Arnish clearly has the potential to pursue further construction contracts in the renewables sector for projects in

Alasdair Allan MSP

Scotland. With the announcement of offshore wind energy developments in Scottish waters there is no reason why an outstanding facility like Arnish could not benefit. I have contacted HIE making the case for Arnish to be included among their list of “strategic locations” for this work throughout Scotland.”

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