The news confirming that Samsung are pulling out of Methil is another massive blow to the local Levenmouth economy and to the future of Fife Energy Park. Samsung’s pullout takes with them the promise of 500 jobs made by former First Minister Alex Salmond and follows fears of potential job losses at Burntisland Fabrications, (BiFab).On Monday (6th July) the Scottish Government will be visiting Fife to hold a cabinet meeting and I have called for them to visit Fife Energy Park during their trip and respond to concerns of the workforce over the park’s future.
Announcing the trip, the First Minister said these visits were the opportunity for the Scottish Government to learn about the important issues affecting locals. If the First Minister is serious about listening to concerns of locals then she will agree to visit the park, less than 30 minutes away.Following the fears of redundancies at BiFab I have met and spoken regularly with workers, union representatives, management and Scottish Enterprise to try and find a solution. Leading unions GMB and Unite have also called for a meeting with the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, to discuss the future of the Methil yard. So far she has failed to respond.The Scottish Government were more than willing to come to the Energy Park when times were good and the promise of jobs were to be made. Now these jobs have disappeared it’s easier to put the blame on others but that won’t help the local economy in Levenmouth.
What we need is action from the First Minister and her Cabinet to support the Levenmouth economy and secure the future of Fife Energy Park. Fife Energy Park has huge potential to be a focal point for the renewable industry in Scotland. It has a highly skilled and committed workforce but it needs the support of both Governments at this difficult time.
If the Scottish Government are serious about saving these jobs they would find the time to visit the Park and engage with the workforce.