A Western Isles renewable-energy manufacturing site will receive £2million of fresh investment as part of plans to draw more companies to the area.
Development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) said it was ploughing the money into Arnish Business Park, in Lewis, to improve the infrastructure for future tenants.
HIE said the investment package included a £1.2million deal agreed with contractor RJ McLeod to transform nearly 15 acres of brownfield land so that it would be suitable for business development.
RJ McLeod commercial and project manager Martin Ross, said: “RJ McLeod is delighted to be working on Lewis once more as we have a long-standing relationship with the Western Isles stretching back over 30 years.
“While 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, with our use of various other suppliers and services on the island, we hope to be contributing significantly to the local economy.”
HIE area manager for the Outer Hebrides 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.
“We are progressing with a number of infrastructure investments designed to increase the capacity ofArnish and make it an even more attractive location for the new tenants at a local, national or global level.”
The business park includes Arnish Fabrication Yard, where Burntisland Fabrications employs nearly 60 people.
Arnish takes in an enterprise area; which means firms can be offered tax incentives to help them to buy expensive machinery and accelerate development.