Fall in wind sector demand hits Highland jobs

Up to 80 workers are being made redundant at a Highland carbon fibre manufacturer.

SGL Carbon said it had shut down several production lines at its Muir of Ord site due to a decline in demand for the material for use in making wind turbines.

The GMB union said the losses showed the Scottish government's drive to create renewable energy employment opportunities had "stalled".

The Scottish government said it was disappointed jobs were going, adding that it would support the wind sector with £500m investment over the next five years.

SGL Carbon said the redundancies affected about a third of its 230 workers at Muir of Ord.

Lesley-Anne MacAskill, GMB Scotland organiser in the Highlands, said the redundancies highlighted a lack of government support and investment.

She said: “SGL Carbon should be a prime example of what ministers like to call a just transition, creating well-paid, skilled jobs in renewables.

“Instead, it is a prime example of what is going wrong in Scotland where there is no transition, just or otherwise.

"The only thing in transition are jobs and contracts going abroad."

The Scottish government said it was putting money towards supporting renewable energy jobs, and was also continually working on attracting inward investment.

A spokesperson said: “It was disappointing to learn of potential job losses at SGL Carbon based in Muir of Ord.

"This will be a very uncertain time for the staff, their families and everyone in the local area."

Public agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise has offered support to SGL Carbon.