SSC orders six vessels from Arran boat builder

Kiscadale Engineering / Arran Workboats Ltd will deliver the boats to SSC sites across the Outer Hebrides from Lewis to Mull between April and September this year.

Over the past two years, SSC has taken delivery of nine boats from Arran Workboats Ltd, located on the island’s Whiting Bay. The craft are now central to the company’s fleet and are used for essential tasks such as transportation around the sites, SSC said in a press release.

Marine fabricator

The Isle of Arran has played a long-term role in SSC’s operations and its Lamlash Bay site was one of the first fish farms in Scotland.

Historically a general plastic and stainless-steel fabricator, Kiscadale Engineering has evolved in recent years to become a leading marine fabricator on Arran. The business is run by husband and wife team Iain and Sandra Monteith.

SSC chief executive Craig Anderson said: “The Scottish Salmon Company has a long history with Kiscadale Engineering, having first worked with them over 30 years ago.

“We are committed to using local suppliers from the communities in which we live and work wherever possible. Kiscadale Engineering is a quality local business who will supply us with best-in-class equipment, and our close working relationship allows us to work together to design improvements in the vessels and incorporate new technology.”

High standard

Ian Monteith said: “With a history going back over 30 years of working with the Scottish Salmon Company at the Kingscross Farm on Arran, we are pleased to be awarded this contract.

“Multiple orders like this helps secure employment and provide training for local young people. This contract has allowed us to create one new role and also supports four workers who are under 30. SSC demand a very high standard for their boats and we have a well-trained workforce dedicated to building the best boats of their class.

“Manufacturing businesses like this help the local economy in many ways. With the logistics of Island trading we are fortunate to work with Arran Haulage who bring in our raw materials and deliver the completed boats all over Scotland. The cycle is completed by Arran Haulage delivering 100% of our plastic waste to the state-of-the-art recycling centre at Inchinan.

“We are delighted to be awarded this second contract for the Scottish Salmon Company and appreciate their policy of supporting local businesses throughout the West Coast of Scotland.”