With news breaking that HIAL and Prospect are seemingly reaching a position of agreement, although quite what the detail is, the mood music seems positive from all sides.

Na h-Eileanan an Iar MP Angus B MacNeil commented:

“For the first time in a very long time, it is good to see some positive news emerging over the issue of the ATMS project and the retention of island jobs. We can only hope that this ultimately means the Government gets to save £2 million each and every year and that jobs remain within Scotland’s island groups; vital, important and well paid jobs.

“It is great to see HIAL and Prospect coming together to work for the good of the area and try to find a common position. This is definitely a move in the right direction and people are now cautiously optimistic that the right outcome will happen, namely the retention of these jobs in our islands.”