Talks agreed over mothballed BiFab yards in Fife

The energy firm EDF has agreed to talks over the future of mothballed BiFab yards in Fife, say union leaders.

The GMB are campaigning for the yards in Methil and Burntisland to secure work on a £2bn windfarm off the Fife coast.

A public meeting in Buckhaven on Thursday was told EDF, the Scottish government and BiFab's Canadian owners had agreed to meet unions next week.

EDF has refused to comment on claims the work could go to Indonesia.

'Working hard'

Gary Smith, GMB general secretary in Scotland, said he was optimistic that talks would go ahead.

He said: "We are hoping that next week all the key players and decision-makers can get around the table.

"We can stop apportioning blame, stop talking about why things aren't happening and we can start to hammer out the bones of a deal."

Speaking before the meeting, an EDF spokesman said: "We understand the NnG project is seen as critical to securing more work for the yard and we are working hard to make that a reality."

A DF Barnes spokesman said: "While we have not been made aware formally of such a meeting, we are continuing to hold regular meetings with a variety of partners and stakeholders.

"Our absolute priority is to secure work for our yards in Fife."

'Last-chance saloon'

Pat Rafferty, the Unite union's Scottish secretary said: "Unite is working extremely hard along with others to secure a meeting next week with all the key players, including the Scottish government, EDF and DF Barnes who own the BiFab yards in Fife.

"It's vital that we have all the decision-makers round the table to explore how we can get as much work as possible into the BiFab yards.

"The Neart na Goaithe offshore wind farm is worth £2bn and we know the decision to award work by EDF is imminent."

He added: "We feel this contract could be the last-chance saloon for Scotland to get a meaningful manufacturing foothold in the renewables sector.

"It's also clear to Unite that unless there are legal obligations written into future renewables contracts then this potential scandal will just roll on to the next one."