'Brexit could be a factor' in Easter Ross fish factory closure
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Cllr Maxine Smith (Cromarty Firth) said the decision announced by Skretting this week would be devastating for workers who will be left wondering where to find other jobs.
The Norway-based global company, which is closing other bases and pulling out of the UK altogether, said the closures were due to British market conditions, resulting from over-capacity and low prices – and insisted Brexit was not a factor.
She said: “Skretting has said this decision is due to competition from the west coast where a new fish feed firm is opening. I suspect there are also Brexit doubts in there. The staff are obviously devastated and don’t know where they will get work.”
The move will also see the closure of the company's plant near Preston in Lancashire, its head office in Norwich and a warehouse in Shetland.
A total of more than a 100 jobs will be lost.
Highlands and Islands Green MSP John Finnie has contacted the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, asking what support they can offer the workforce.
In a statement, Therese Log Bergjord, Skretting’s chief executive officer, said: "Unfortunately, we are experiencing unsustainable market conditions in the UK.
"With a new large feed plant becoming operational in Scotland early 2019, the total feed capacity in the region is expected to exceed the total market by more than 50 per cent.
"This is driving down prices, leading to an unsustainable commercial environment."
The news follows an announcement back in September by the Dingwall-based Edinburgh Salmon Company (ESCo) that it is looking to close or sell its base in the town in response to challenging market conditions with a total of 163 jobs on the line.
