A north-east firm has struck a deal to buy part of a historic shipyard and offer hope to dozens of people who lost their jobs when it was shut down.
Hopes were high last night some of the 74 people made redundant at the Buckie complex could return to work after Macduff Shipyards announced it was buying assets at the site. The Press and Journal understands workers who lost their jobs in August could now be taken back on.
Business leaders have welcomed the deal, which includes the main fabrication building, plant and machinery and a lease for the launching ramp.
The remainder of the site, which was leased to Buckie Shipyard by Moray Council, will now be put on the market by the local authority.
Buckie Shipyard, which was founded 110 years ago and was one of Scotland’s oldest shipbuilding specialists, said it had suffered “severe cash flow problems” caused by unsustainable costs, a decline in demand and intense competition.
Agencies such as Moray Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise joined forces to support the affected workforce, but the site has faced an uncertain future after the administrator brought in to sort out the finances, RSM Tenon, went into administration itself.
FRP Advisory LLP was brought in later and its partners, Iain Fraser and Tom MacLennan, confirmed the Macduff deal last night.
“We are delighted Macduff Shipyards Group has acquired the main assets and is planning to recommence works on this historic site,” Mr Fraser said.
“It is a highly regarded company that has extensive knowledge of the market and of the area and we wish them every success with their new venture.”
Buckie Shipyard’s latest figures show it had a turnover of £3million. As well as boatbuilding, it had diversified its business into the offshore wind energy industry.
Macduff Shipyards is highly regarded throughout Europe for producing commercial vessels in steel and aluminum. It also undertakes conversions, modernisations, refits and repairs. John Watt, managing director of Macduff Shipyards, said: “Macduff Shipyards remains very busy and we continue to develop as a business. This facility will enable greater flexibility in our continued diversification.” The deal has been welcomed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and the group’s Moray area manager, David Oxley, said the sale was a “positive step forward.
“The news that respected north-east firm Macduff Shipyards has bought one of the key facilities is to be welcomed. We will work with the firm to grow and drive their business and investment in Moray.”
He added: “We also continue to work alongside Moray Council as it seeks to unlock the huge potential of the harbour site.”
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