Public agencies should be concerned about the "crisis that’s about to hit island based civil engineering companies” according to parliamentary candidate, Alasdair Morrison.
The Labour hopeful said island civil engineering companies are major employers but face making job loses due to a lack of public contracts.
Mr Morrison indicated the blame lay with politicians failing to secure capital funding for island projects.
He said: “Some companies have already paid off employees and further contraction is imminent unless the Scottish Government, Scottish Water and a host of other public bodies responsible for investing taxpayers money bring forward planned expenditure.”
He added: “The neglect must end and we need the Scottish Government to focus on its responsibilities, and do so in conjunction with local companies.
“Our islands need a serious and concerted approach to economic development. It's clear the present arrangements are not working.”
Civil engineering crisis looming, warns Morrison
6 April 2015
Mr Morrison spoke after a visit to island contractor D MacKay and Sons which are based at Parkend Industrial Estate.
Mr Morrison said: "I found today’s discussion with respected and hard working civil
engineers depressing -
“They’ve been neglected and their pressing needs have been forgotten. Our parliamentarians neglect hits our friends, neighbours and communities.
“As a parliamentary candidate I can only highlight their plight -
“We need action and our communities and people rightly expect those in elected office put their interest before any other concern”.