Job losses at rocket range

More jobs are being cut at the rocket range.

Five islanders are being made redundant following a downsizing of the barracks which houses military personnel during weapons testing at the Uist missile base.

Much of the buildings will no longer be used while a remaining block has been refurbished.

The accommodation campus - built to take around 500 soldiers - has excess capacity for the smaller numbers of armed forces involved in modern rocket trials.

Sub-contractor Mitie - which employs the security guards at the missile range and at the West Camp accommodation - is paying off a third of its 15-strong workforce at the base.

A Mitie spokeswoman said: “The third and final consultations have now been completed.

“As a result, five roles will be made redundant.

“However there will be the opportunity to remain at West Camp until building works have been completed later this year.

“For any of the officers choosing to stay until works are completed, should they find another opportunity before then, they would still receive their redundancy package.”

Nine other islanders lost their jobs in December after cuts by catering company, Elior UK.

Job losses at rocket range

15 March 2018