A multi agency task force is preparing to fight to save around 125 jobs which are set to be lost if the MoD goes ahead with the scaling down of its sites on the Outer Hebrides.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise is joining forces with the Scottish Government, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES) and Stòras Uibhist to engage with the MoD to seek a reversal of its plans announced today to reduce staff numbers at the West Camp in Balivanich, close the control and command centre and have only visiting staff on St Kilda.
There is a 30 day consultation period during which HIE has said it will be fully committed to actively persuading the MoD that the impact of these proposals is not acceptable. An emergency meeting involving all agencies in the community is to be set up as a matter of urgency.
Chairman of HIE William Roe has given an unequivocal commitment that HIE will be working to secure a long term sustainable solution for South Uist.
“The action being proposed by the MoD is a devastating blow to the economy of the Uists and HIE is fully committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with its partner agencies and the community to challenge this decision. We believe these plans fail to take account of the sites' value and we will be doing everything in our power to find a way to put pressure on the MoD and its operator QinetiQ to seek another option,” he said.
He added: “QinetiQ is the largest private sector employer in the Outer Hebrides and HIE will be pressing for very clear explanations on what forces are at work within the international defence industry which could have prompted this proposal. It is critical that we find solutions to protect these vital jobs which play such a major part in the economic sustainability of the area.”
HIE Innse Gall area manager Archie MacDonald was in Benbecula for today’s announcement. He commented:
“HIE is ready to step up to the mark to protect this extremely fragile area and we will be taking a pivotal role with local partners in opposing the proposal. We are ready to move swiftly to mitigate any impact on the community if necessary and will take decisive action to support local jobs.”