WATCH: Moray MP Ross hails Buckie wind farm base in parliamentary debate
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MORAY MP Douglas Ross has highlighted a “major” jobs boost for Buckie during a debate surrounding ports and green energy in Westminster Hall.
Mr Ross said it was “great” to have the opportunity to mark the ongoing work at Buckie Harbour in relation to the construction of an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) base for the Moray West offshore wind farm, run by Ocean Winds.
In his contribution to the debate he spoke of Buckie Harbour’s "rich" history, noting that it was the first large concrete harbour to be built in Scotland in 1878.
Mr Ross went on to say he was “delighted” when Buckie Harbour was chosen for this work, which will create 60 high-quality jobs for the community.
It was, he noted, “fantastic” that these jobs will be part of the community for decades to come.
The Conservative MP – who also highlighted the opportunities for his Moray constituency and communities across the Highlands as a result of the Cromarty Firth freeport – said the project at Buckie Harbour shows how renewable energy can “breathe new life” into communities, after previous industries have declined.
Speaking after the debate, Mr Ross said: “It was great to have the opportunity to speak in this debate in Westminster and highlight the many highly-skilled jobs that have created new opportunities for people in Buckie.
“I was delighted when Buckie Harbour – which has such a rich history – was chosen to undertake this work for the Moray West offshore wind farm. Having visited the harbour as work has been continuing, it has been impressive to see the role being played by those working at the harbour.
"That is why I was pleased to have the opportunity to mention Buckie Harbour’s role in green energy during a debate in the Westminster recently.
“While sadly fishing is not at the same scale in Buckie that it once was, this shows how renewable energy can breathe new life into our coastal communities.
“I was pleased to have the chance to highlight that to colleagues in Westminster and know that this project will continue to deliver great benefits for Buckie in the years ahead.”
WATCH: Mr Ross take part in the debate HERE:
Installation work on the wind farm itself has got under way, with the first major components –monopiles – are being put in place.
Meanwhile, construction work continues on the O&M base itself, situated on a brownfield site opposite pier 3 at the harbour.
Due to be operational next year, the 1991m2 facility will act as a base for service technicians to prepare equipment for use on the wind farm and kit up prior to boarding the multicat Crew Transfer Vessels that will be berthed alongside new pontoons in the harbour.
Staff will also be based in the facility to manage the warehouse, health and safety and equipment monitoring of the wind farm. Recruitment for the new O&M base is under way, with around 60 long term roles to be based out of Buckie.
A groundbreaking ceremony at the site was held on May 30, with the then Minister for Energy Gillian Martin MSP doing the honours.
Once online – estimated to be next year – Moray West will generate up to 882MW of power from 60 turbines of 14.7 MW/unit.
