Burntisland Fabrications

Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at on 17 April 2018.

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Photo of Murdo Fraser Murdo Fraser Conservative

I thank the minister for his statement and for advance sight of it. It is good news for BiFab, the workforce and the wider economies of Fife and Lewis.

For months, a dark cloud has hung over the company and the areas affected, so the announcement of the acquisition by DF Barnes today will be warmly welcomed.

I associate myself and my party with the cabinet secretary’s remarks about the workforce and the contribution that has been made by the trade unions in helping to secure the future of the company. Along with a number of my Conservative colleagues, I was happy to join workers and trade union representatives at their recent rally outside Parliament. I also give our support to the Scottish Government’s ambitions for offshore renewable energy and its on-going support for the oil and gas sector.

I have two specific questions arising from the cabinet secretary’s statement. First, what assurances have been given about the number of jobs that will be secured at the three sites of Burntisland, Methil and Arnish, including the permanent workforce of 260 and the additional 1,100 men and women who were previously employed through agencies?

Secondly, although I acknowledge what the cabinet secretary said about the need for commercial confidentiality, can he outline to members the total value of the Scottish Government’s support for the new purchaser?