Politicians bid to overturn BiFab decision to save Fife yards

Councillor David Ross, co-leader of Fife Council, is seeking a meeting with Fiona Hyslop MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture.

He fears the news could sink BiFab’s yards in Burntisland and Methil.

They viewed work as part of the giant contract to work on the NNG windfarm as a lifeline.

The turbines will be built off the Fife coast, but not by the local workforce.

Mr Ross said: “The news that the Scottish Government are withdrawing guarantees required for BiFab to undertake work on the NNG windfarm came out of the blue.

Fife MP to meet Scottish Government over collapse of BiFab turbine...

“It is a huge shock and a huge disappointment after all the promises that have been made to protect the yards.

This action threatens to sink BiFab and all the hard work that has been put in to recue the company and the yards seems to have been for nothing. This will have a major impact for local jobs and on the Fife economy. “

Mr Ross said officers are in touch with BiFab’s Canadian owners.

He added: “After all the promises of green jobs, for the Scottish Government to withdraw their support for these contracts at this late stage is beyond comprehension.

“The Scottish Government seems to be trying to blame the company or state aid rules.

“But it has known the position on state aid for months if not years, and this seems to be a cynical attempt to divert the blame away from the Government.”

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