Wind power jobs hopes soar with rumours of factory deal

Published Date: 25 March 2009
By MOIRA KERR

WIND turbine workers in the west of Scotland are expecting an announcement this week securing 98 jobs and possibly creating hundreds more.
Ministers are understood to be preparing a statement on the Vestas wind turbine factory in Kintyre.There have been unconfirmed reports that the Danish company Welcon and investment fund Evo Energy are to take over the plant at Machrihanish, near Campbeltown, in April.It is believed that Alex Salmond, the First Minister, may make a flying visit to the plant tomorrow to join invited guests as the announcement is made.A source said yesterday: "They are making the official announcement on Thursday about the new company taking over from Vestas. I know someone who has been invited."Vestas have 90 staff but I understand the new company may have 300-400 eventually."Another source in Campbeltown, who did not want to be named, said: "I have heard Alex Salmond is coming on Thursday for the announcement about Vestas."A Scottish Government spokesman refused to confirm or deny the announcement, or if Mr Salmond would be visiting Campbeltown.He said: "All we can really say is that we are optimistic, given the amount of work that Scottish Development International and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the local council and ministers have put into it, that there is a bright future for the plant, but there are no other details." Argyll Lib Dem MP Alan Reid said: "I am delighted at the Scottish Government's comments. "It now looks certain the factory has been saved. This will secure a large number of jobs in Machrihanish for many years to come and will be of great benefit to the environment because of the renewable energy the wind turbines will generate."