Highland MSP sees bright future for Wester Ross now plans for Kishorn Yard approved.
Rhoda Grant, Highlands & Islands (Labour) MSP welcomed the decision by Highland Council North Planning Committee this afternoon to approve plans to extend the use of the Kishorn yard in Wester Ross and increase its quarry operations.
She said:
“The future is bright for jobs and the local economy in Wester Ross.
“This decision will provide opportunities to young people in the area who have for generations been forced to leave to find work.
“The yard was built in the 1970s to serve the North Sea oil and gas industry.
“Platforms for two oil fields and also sections of the Skye Bridge were constructed at the yard.”
Kishorn Port Ltd. proposes to make it a manufacturing base for the offshore renewables sector.
Having visited the site recently and met with Alistair Ferguson, Director of Kishorn Port Ltd, Rhoda Grant said:
“This is a great opportunity to revitalise and regenerate industry in this part of Wester Ross, which has seen a steady stream of young people leave the area to seek employment.
“We are told that the redevelopment of the yard could lead to the creation of up to 2,500 jobs”.
Rhoda Grant added, “We have to listen to and understand the points made by those objecting to the proposals and ensure that the impact is proportional, for instance understanding the economic benefit of tourism brings to the area.
“That has to be balanced against the potential to energise this part of Wester Ross, develop capacity in the offshore oil and renewables sector and giving young people in the area jobs where they can gain valuable skills and choose to remain in the area”.
Rhoda Grant has raised the potential of Kishorn Port Ltd’s plans in the Scottish Parliament and now welcomes Highland Council North Planning Committee’s decision which will take these plans closer to reality.
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Press release, October 24, 2013; Image: himsps