The first naval vessel to undergo work at Buckie Shipyard since the completion of a £1.5million upgrading project at the historic east Moray yards arrived in the port in time for today's (Friday, September 26) official opening ceremony.

Training vessel HMS Archer and a private cabin cruiser are among the orders underway at the yard as it celebrates the launch of new facilities that have safeguarded nearly 60 skilled jobs.
 
In partnership with Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise (MBSE) and The Moray Council, Buckie Shipyard Limited (BSL) has constructed a 1,600 square metre facility with a state-of-the-art 10metre-high painting booth, and a new slip-way and purchased new boat-lifting equipment.

In addition to safeguarding the workforce, the development is expected to create additional job opportunities, with BSL able to offer an improved level of service to existing and new customers.

Marking the yards' long and successful relationship with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), today's opening ceremony was carried out by RNLI Trustee Roger Bridgeman, chairman of the organisation's technical committee.

The Buckie yards have been a familiar feature of the east Moray port for more than a century. Following a period of decline and uncertainty they were bought by the Lithgow Group in 1996 to form Buckie Shipyard Limited (BSL).

BSL carries out servicing and refits for all types of vessel from around the UK, including MoD vessels and, most famously, lifeboats. It employs around 60 staff, including six modern apprentices, and has a detailed training programme in place.

The company has had a close association with the RNLI for many decades. It is one of only a handful of yards in the UK capable of meeting the stringent service requirements of the largest class of lifeboat, the 'Severn', and maintains a team of dedicated and highly trained employees specialising in the total refit of lifeboats.

The major upgrading increased the yards' capacity in order to meet the needs of future RNLI contracts.

Speaking at today's opening ceremony, BSL chief executive Bill Carson said: "This is a great day for the Buckie yards. The yards have been a familiar feature of Buckie for many years and the new facilities officially opened today guarantee they will continue to be for many more to come.

"This development, which has secured the company's future and the jobs of those who work here, is also good  for the local economy and local contractors. The facilities we have here now ensure that Buckie Shipyard is capable of meeting the highest industry standards. They have given us what is needed to meet the needs of our customers and develop existing and new markets.

"It is particularly fitting that today's official opening should be carried out by a representative of one of the yards' most important customers over the years, the RNLI. "

The bulk of the financial assistance provided by MBSE, which is part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network, was used to acquire the sites from BSL, demolish the existing buildings and rebuild the enhanced facilities which are being rented back to BSL on a 20-year agreement.

Douglas Yule, chief executive of MBSE, said the local enterprise company had been delighted to make such a substantial investment for the east Moray area.

Mr Yule said: "Today marks a very exciting landmark in the improving fortunes of the Buckie Shipyard. The yards are a major contributor to the east Moray economy, providing skilled and valuable engineering jobs for the area and training opportunities for apprenticeships.

"As well as consolidating existing client service agreements, these magnificent upgraded facilities will provide a solid platform of growth for BSL. It is an excellent development for BSL, its customers, Buckie and the east Moray area."

The Moray Council backed the uprgading project by funding strengthening work on Commercial Road, between the harbour and the new refit facility.

The Moray Council Vice Convener Bill Jappy said: "I am delighted that The Moray Council was able to assist in the development of this facility. By working together, Buckie Shipyard Limited, the local enterprise company and The Moray Council have shown that partnerships are a very effective way forward to safeguarding jobs.

"As a Buckie councillor I welcome and thank Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise for the investment which has been made in this part of East Moray. BSL have shown by their investment in this project that they are committed to their future in Moray and for this I would also thank them most sincerely."

Roger Bridgeman, chairman of the RNLI's technical committee, unveiled a plaque at the shipyard to mark the official opening.

He said: "The RNLI has had a long and happy working relationship with the Buckie Shipyard spanning many years. With these fine new facilities, that is set to continue for many more years to come."

Earlier this year BSL received the Investors in People Award, the national recognition for organisations that aim to develop staff skills in line with business planning.