FIRST MINISTER RETURNS EARLY FROM BONN FOR TALKS

Alasdair Allan, SNP MSP for Na-h-Eileanan an Iar, today met with members of the BiFab workforce, as they rallied at the Scottish Parliament to defend jobs in both Fife and the Isle of Lewis.

Depute First Minister John Swinney also confirmed to Parliament today that the First Minister is returning early from her trip to Bonn, where she has been attending Climate Change talks, to be available this afternoon (16/11/2017) to convene face-to-face discussions in Edinburgh if those are required.

Commenting, Dr Allan said:

“I was pleased to meet with members of the BiFab workforce outside Holyrood today, and offer my support to the workers and families affected, as the Scottish Government works to assist in finding a sustainable future for these jobs.

“This week, I have been speaking to ministerial colleagues about the situation at Arnish, and written to the First Minister to emphasise the importance of the yard to the Isle of Lewis.  Scotland needs firms like BiFab to thrive if we’re to make the most of our renewable potential.

“It was great to hear the Depute First Minister bang the drum of the BiFab workforce today in Parliament and mention the dignity and resilience they have shown, in what will be a very stressful time for them and their families.

“John Swinney made clear how seriously the Scottish Government is taking this situation. He highlighted that the Government’s fundamental focus just now is on resolving the contractual issues that have led to this situation, and that they will leave no stone unturned in securing the future of the firm. Nicola Sturgeon returning early from her trip to Bonn further demonstrates the Government’s commitment to the renewable energy sector, and to the jobs in the Western Isles, as well as in Fife.

“I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Scottish Government, and would be more than happy to hear from individual members of the workforce at Arnish if I can help them in any way.”