Jobs under threat at Fort William subsea training site

The site's facilities include an indoor tank

Dozens of jobs are under threat at Fort William's Underwater Centre after it was forced into administration.

The dive training facility previously underwent a financial restructuring to become a not-for-profit company.

However, management said they had now been forced to stop trading - leaving almost 50 jobs at risk.

The centre is mainly used by the oil and gas industry. More than 200 diving and remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) students train at the site each year.

The Underwater Centre's website now has a ceased trading message

It is understood to be one of only a handful of saturation dive training facilities in the world.

'Heartbreaking' news

Managing director David McGhie said: "We regret to confirm that the Underwater Centre has been forced to cease trading and will be placed into administration.

"It was heartbreaking informing our committed, loyal and professional staff.

"Government, industry and the local management team have been working hard over the past year to try and find a sustainable solution for the centre. Unfortunately this has not been possible.

"The process of appointing administrators is ongoing."

'Great regret'

Scotland's Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse said the announcement was "a matter of great regret" and that the Scottish government would look to provide support for affected employees.

He added: "The Scottish government and our agencies have worked closely with the management team in Fort William, and constituency members of both parliaments to support the centre.

"In the course of doing so we have already provided significant support to the Underwater Centre through its recent challenges.

"We will continue to do all we can as this latest very unwelcome situation develops, given that we firmly believe the Underwater Centre at Fort William is a world-class asset with unique capabilities and a highly experienced team."

The centre's management said they had been forced to cease trading

Mike Tholen, from industry body Oil and Gas UK, said: "We are sorry to see the closure of the company which comes after nearly two years of effort between government and industry to support it during the oil price downturn.

"In that time, both industry and government has provided substantial financial and practical support.

"We have also worked collaboratively with the Underwater Centre's management in an effort to develop a more sustainable business model.

"Sadly, despite these extensive efforts, lack of market demand and the move to ROV technologies have made ongoing operations untenable."

He added: "We will continue to work with government to explore all options going forwards."

Andrew Baxter, Highland Council's Lochaber committee chairman, said: "Our immediate concerns are for the 50 staff employed at the centre which is one of Fort William's largest employers, and for the welfare of the students, many of whom are from overseas.

"The council will be seeking meetings on site to see how we might assist."