The fishing industry in South Harris is set to be revolutionised with the establishment at Leverburgh of a live shellfish holding facility, which will enable new company, Isle of Harris Seafood,to distribute and wholesale live and fresh seafood for the export market, mainly to Europe.

The new facility, on the fringe of an Iomairt aig an Oir (Initiative at the Edge) area, will enable the local fleet to land their catch within hours of being caught and will create six full time jobs on shore. At present there are no facilities for dealing with catches at Leverburgh but it is anticipated that production will be underway by late August.

Located at the pierhead in Leverburgh, the new works, which will occupy a Western Isles Enterprise (WIE) unit on the harbour industrial estate will handle cockles, crab, dogfish, lobster, prawns, scallops, razor fish and winkles. WIE are supporting the venture with a financial package worth almost £60,000 (pounds).

The £200,000 (pounds) project is the brainchild of Inverness-based Christopher Ross, originally from South Harris, who is preparing to move back to the area with his wife and two children. Mr Ross recently sold his fish wholesale business, which operated throughout the Highlands for 17 years.

Mr Ross said: "The fishing industry consists of two primary elements, fishermen and fish processing. In Leverburgh, no on-shore jobs are created from the fishing effort. This work is undertaken by people elsewhere who are totally oblivious to the origins of the produce.

"The natural resource of our waters should be used to its full potential to maximise the benefits for the islands' people."

Due to the lack of fish processing facilities on the pier, fishermen discard a considerable amount of their shellfish catch, mortality can be quite high particularly during the summer months and they are unable to sell to the export market. When fully established, Isle of Harris Seafood will have the infrastructure and equipment to condition the landings prior to dispatch for their European clients. Shellfish will be processed and exported within 24 hours of landing, five days per week.

Minister for the Highlands and Islands Alasdair Morrison said: "This is a significant boost for employment in Harris. Once again we see opportunities being developed in traditional industries. It is essential that right across the Highlands and Islands investment in infrastructure enables communities like Leverburgh to develop and flourish."

Chief Executive of Western Isles Enterprise, Donnie Macaulay said: "This scheme presents a major opportunity to put the Western Isles on the produce map of Europe and develop a range of new jobs in an area which has been recognised as needing them. The project will further enhance the development of Leverburgh which has benefited enormously from the new ferry link with Otternish and the Uists and it emphasises the jobs potential presented by an improved transport and communications infrastructure."