Work on a pioneering but controversial fish feed plant is now under way, in an economic boost for the north.

Marine Harvest is building the facility at the Allt Anavig quarry at Kyleakin on Skye. A total of 55 full-time jobs will be created later this year as a result of the development, bringing much needed jobs to the island. The company has confirmed that the plant is due to be completed by next Autumn.

But the cost of the project has already soared from £80million when it announced the preferred site for the plant last year to £93million.

Ian Blackford, SNP Westminster leader and MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, said the new jobs will also bring benefits to other businesses on Skye. He added: “The new plant in Kyleakin shows the company’s faith in and commitment to the local community, but also is a very welcome economic boost to the area.

“The new jobs offer great opportunities for long-term employment with the benefits to other local businesses which come with increasing prosperity.”

When the plans were first unveiled, some residents were concerned over the visual impact of the new plant as it will include buildings 130 feet high with a chimney stack more than 195 feet tall.

But the majority of local councillors felt that new jobs and a boost to the island’s economy took precedence over other concerns.

Source: The Press and Journal // Original Article