A MANUFACTURING site in the Outer Hebrides for renewable energy projects is being improved to attract developers.
RJ McLeod Contractors of Dingwall has started work on a further phase of the £2m scheme to develop infrastructure at Arnish Business Park. It won the bidding race for a £1.2m site enhancement contract funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
McLeod’s contract will bring an additional six hectares of land into use for business development and other planned contracts include site entrance improvements and coastal protection works. Demolition of the old administration building has already been carried out.
Martin Ross, McLeod’s commercial and project manager, said: “Whilst the finished project will enable long term economic growth, this contract itself will ensure continued employment opportunities for our staff and operatives, several of whom are from Lewis.
“A large part of plant and additional labour for the project will also be sourced locally and, along with our use of various other suppliers and services on the island, we hope to be contributing significantly to the local economy.”
Spread over 42 hectares, Arnish is the only large scale industrial site in the Outer Hebrides. With a, deepwater quay and development land, it is seen as ideally placed to attract developers and contractors working in the renewables sector.
