A key renewable energy manufacturing sites in the Outer Hebrides is being further developed to create a leading location for potential developers.

Construction work started on Monday a further phase of a £2 million investment project to develop infrastructure at Arnish Business Park.

Funding for the project was made available from the Scottish Government through Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), to improve Scotland’s renewable energy infrastructure.

This latest phase of site improvement works will bring an additional six hectares of land into economic use for future business development purposes. Other planned contracts include site entrance improvements and coastal protection works. Demolition of the old administration building has already taken place as part of this project.

After a competitive, open tendering process, the £1.2 million site enhancement contract has been awarded to contractors RJ McLeod Contractors Ltd of Dingwall.

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Martin Ross, RJ McLeod’s Commercial and Project Manager said: "RJ McLeod are delighted to be working on Lewis once more as we have a long standing relationship with the Western Isles stretching back over 30 years. Whilst the finished project will enable long term economic growth, this contract itself will ensure continued employment opportunities for our staff and operatives, several of whom are from Lewis.

"A large part of plant and additional labour for the project will also be sourced locally and, along with our use of various other suppliers and services on the island, we hope to be contributing significantly to the local economy."

HIE’s Innse Gall Area Manager, Archie Macdonald, said: "Arnish is a vital location in the development of Scotland’s renewable energy industry. Having the right infrastructure in place is an important factor for ambitious businesses identifying where to locate.

"Arnish has Enterprise Areas status in the north of Scotland and is the only industrial site of scale (42 hectares) in the Outer Hebrides. With its unique location, deepwater quay and development land, Arnish Business Park provides excellent industrial infrastructure for developers and supply chain contractors working in the renewables sector.

"We are progressing with a number of infrastructure investments designed to increase the capacity of Arnish and make it an even more attractive location for the new tenants at a local, national or global level."

(GK)