Builders mark MH feed plant milestone

AN official ‘topping out’ ceremony has been held at Marine Harvest’s £93 million fish feed plant on the Isle of Skye.
Construction of the facility, at the Allt Anavig quarry in Kyleakin, began last June and is due to be completed towards the end of this year. Some 55 full-time jobs will be created at the site once it is up and running.
Robertson Group, the constructors, said it has made significant progress. ‘Topping out’ is a traditional builders’ rite traditionally held when the last beam (or its equivalent) is placed atop a structure during its construction.
David Cairns, managing director, Robertson Central East, said: ‘Work has been ongoing at Marine Harvest since last summer and we’re pleased with the progress that has been made.
‘The topping out ceremony marks an important milestone and we are moving closer to handing the facility over to Marine Harvest.
‘This is an important project to Robertson Central East, worth around £25 million, and emphasises our ability to deliver complex projects – not just on the mainland but also on Scotland’s islands.’
The local community has been closely involved with the project since its inception. Four open days have been held, with more than 200 people attending a recent recruitment day.
Numerous employment opportunities have been created, with local labourers employed as subcontractors.
While there has been a focus on generating jobs for those living on Skye, the project has also benefited from multi-national expertise, with specialists brought in from Belgium, Finland, Denmark, Norway and the United States.
Mick Watts, engineering director, Marine Harvest Scotland, said: ‘It was pleasing to work with Robertson and incorporate them into a complex development with many international suppliers, where they succeeded in delivering their component of the construction phase.’
Picture: Marine Harvest and Robertson Group representatives at the ceremony