Scores of jobs could be lost if a Fife firm is not awarded work as part of a major offshore wind project, it has been claimed.
Fears have been raised about the long-term future of Burntisland Fabrications (BiFab), should fabrication contracts for SSE’s Beatrice offshore scheme in the outer Moray Firth fail to go to the company’s yards in Burntisland and Methil, and Arnish on the Isle of Lewis.
A cross-party meeting was arranged by Mid-Scotland and Fife Labour MSP Claire Baker to discuss the situation, which included representatives from SSE, the Greens, Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, and those talks were described as “positive”.
But with SSE remaining relatively tight-lipped about contracts, Mrs Baker said the impact on workers, their families and the economy if the work to build subsea jackets is not given to BiFab would be “devastating”.
“Securing the future of BiFab is above party politics and I am therefore encouraged that a cross-party group of MSPs have joined me in campaigning for the yard’s future,” she added.
“The long-term solution for Fife Energy Park in Methil and BiFab is complex but in the short term it is vital that BiFab is able to benefit from the SSE Beatrice contract.”
The meeting follows a lobbying of Parliament from BiFab trade union reps who made their case for the future of the Methil yard in November.
The Methil yard is only being operated on a care and maintenance basis following job losses throughout the year after the company failed to win new orders.
Indeed, the BiFab workforce has contracted from more than 2,400 down to just 80 permanent employees and 50 on fixed-term contracts.
Following Thursday’s meeting a joint letter was sent from MSPs from all parties to SSE claiming that if BiFab is not successful in being awarded part of the upcoming Beatrice contract it will “almost certainly jeopardise the yard’s future”.
BiFab did not respond to The Courier’s request for comment, but a spokesman for SSE said last night: “Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm Limited (BOWL) recognises that a project of this scale should provide socio-economic benefits on a local, regional and national scale.
“Twenty-five million pounds has already been spent on Scottish-based supply chain contracts during the development phase, with more opportunities expected during construction and operation subject to a positive final investment decision.
“Contracts are procured in accordance with SSE’s responsible procurement policies, ensuring Scottish and UK-based companies can benefit from contracting opportunities.”