Government cannot say whether Lochaber billet plant still on cards

Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesperson Jamie Greene MSP has today accused the SNP government of “permanent evasion” after they could not say whether there are still plans for a new billet plant at Sanjeev Gupta’s Lochaber smelter.

During a parliamentary statement about Mr Gupta’s Scottish businesses, Jamie Greene asked the government for an update on the new billet plant proposed for the Lochaber site.

In response, Business Minister Ivan McKee dodged the question and did not say whether those plans are still in place.

In 2021, Highland councillors approved plans for a recycling and aluminium billet plant at Lochaber. It is hoped the new plant would open up more markets for the site.

Jamie Greene said:

“It beggars belief that SNP ministers are still refusing to give clear and straight answers on all this.

“I am very concerned that the minister cannot say whether there are still plans for a new billet plant at Lochaber.

“Workers at the plant deserve better than a total absence of any detail or commitment. All they are getting from this government is permanent evasion.

“The Scottish Government must urgently confirm one way or another whether these plans have been shelved.”