Macduff Shipyard Limited (MSL) is to double the berthing capacity of its facility in Buckie. This will enable the company to take on more building, maintenance and repair work for various industry sectors and vessels.

The HIE investment was confirmed during a visit by business minister Ivan McKee yesterday. He said: “Scotland has long had a rich shipbuilding heritage and it is exciting to see MSL build on that legacy with this project. I wholeheartedly welcome this announcement, which will safeguard jobs in and around Buckie and contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of the local community.”

The HIE funding will support the construction, build and equipment costs relating to a new fully automated slipping cradle berth, in a move that will develop new skills and create jobs.

MSL was formed more than 80 years ago and has grown into a valuable provider of rural skilled employment. The company carries out new builds, conversions, modernisations, refits and repairs, as well as installation of complete deck machinery packages for all types and sizes of vessels. It also refits oil related vessels and ferries, providing full-service docking, painting, engineering, and fabrication.

The Buckie yard was acquired by MSL in 2013, where the company has since built several barges and landing crafts for the aquaculture and renewables sector, as well as fishing vessels and the Moray Council-owned dredger, MV Selkie.

Steve Richards, senior development manager with HIE in Moray, added: “Macduff Shipyard Ltd is a crucial part of the local supply chain for all forms of marine industries. With the growth in aquaculture and offshore renewables, the company is well placed to continue serving these sectors while expanding services.

“This latest project will enable the company to provide additional security for existing employees, develop new skills, and create a significant number of new well-paid jobs in Buckie. Importantly it will add to the company’s role in developing the young workforce, including through apprenticeships. All of this contributes to community resilience and the wider economy.

“We are very pleased to be able to provide support for the project and look forward to continuing to work with MSL as they take forward their plans.”

Rory McCann, commercial director at MSL, said: “HIE has played an important part in our growth strategy in Buckie since 2013 and we are delighted that they continue to be so supportive of this latest development. This project should be completed in spring 2023 and will allow us to grow our business further in the town.”