Ayr firm switches seaweed plan from South Uist to Oban

An Ayr-based firm's plan to open a £20m seaweed processing plant on South Uist has been scrapped.

Marine Biopolymers Ltd had proposed building the factory in Lochboisdale where seaweed was to be processed for use in food products and cosmetics.

The project could have created up to 60 jobs.

However, the company has now shifted its attention to setting up the factory at an existing, but closed down plant, at Barcaldine near Oban.

Storas Uibhist, which runs the community-owned South Uist Estate, had been in talks with Marine Biopolymers.

South Uist councillor Ronnie MacKinnon said it was hoped that another seaweed processing business could be attracted to the island.