Stevenson Welcomes Task Force in Wake of Peterhead Fire

Stewart Stevenson, SNP MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast, has highlighted the plight of local businesses in Peterhead following the disastrous fire at the Northbay Pelagic processing factory last weekend.

At Topical Questions in the Scottish Parliament today (Tuesday) Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead confirmed that a multi-agency task force will convene in Aberdeen this Friday to establish the level of support required from the public sector.

Mr Stevenson asked whether any contact had been made with other businesses in Peterhead and beyond to establish the knock on effects of the fire and what could be done to assist in the aftermath.

Mr Lochhead said:

“I assure Stewart Stevenson that that is one of the issues that will be discussed at this week’s meeting of the task force. We are aware not only that the fire is an issue for the factory, which is a significant employer in Peterhead, but that many suppliers rely on the company for their business, so there will indeed be a knock-on impact – we will pay close attention to this.”

Mr Lochhead also thanked other local pelagic businesses who have been in contact with Northbay to offer support. He also credited the local community for rallying around the staff, Northbay Pelagic and all the other businesses affected.

Mr Stevenson added:

“I very much welcome the formation of a multi-agency taskforce so that everything possible can be done to help the company, employees and other local businesses that have been devastated by this fire.

“Northbay Pelagic is one of the largest fish factories in Scotland and the company employs around 120 full time staff and 100 temporary staff. As the fire has destroyed the processing plant and production line many people will have found themselves out of work and they need to know that they are being supported as effectively as possible.”