SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has urged the UK Government to honour its agreement in principal with Harland & Wolff to act as guarantors on a £200m loan sought by the Belfast-based company. Concerns have arisen in the media in recent weeks about the future of the company, which operates the Arnish yard in Lewis, as well as others in Fife, Devon, and Belfast.

Commenting, Alasdair Allan said:

“Arnish is a hard-working and successful business, with a busy order book, and a thriving workforce, including many apprentices. It is not right for all of this to be thrown into jeopardy as a result of any political games at a UK level over the issue of this loan. I am calling on politicians across the political spectrum, particularly those representing the areas potentially affected, to work together to push the UK Government to protect these jobs and resolve this matter urgently.

“Last night I spoke with HIE and the Comhairle, as well as the Scottish Government, and am seeking further information about the situation today.”