Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP Angus MacNeil has today expressed his regret that David Patton Ltd, the company carrying out the £2m  renovation of the Lews Castle in Stornoway have gone into administration. This will have a  huge knock on effect on some island contractors who were working on the project, and who unfortunately are owed substantial sums of money by Pattons.

Mr MacNeil is now urging Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar who awarded the contract to David Patton Ltd, to work with the sub contractors to see what can be done to assist them during this time and to ensure that the contract is finished on time and on budget.

Angus MacNeil commented:

“This is a blow to the Western Isles economy.  My immediate concern is for the local contractors who were working for Pattons on this contract and who are apparently owed large sums of money. Already last week we saw one of these contractors –Neil Mackay –lay off 15 staff, with more  due to be laid off at the end of the week.

“I would urge the Comhairle to work with the local sub contractors involved with this contract to stabilise the situation and also to see how much of the remainder of the work they can do.”

ENDS.