COMHAIRLE nan Eilean Siar has welcomed an announcement of a £16.8 million investment by UK Ministry of Defence and QinetiQ in two new BAE Systems tracking radars, to be installed on St Kilda, and the upgrade of two existing radars at MoD Hebrides. Chairman of the sustainable development committee, Councillor Donald Crichton, said: ‘This is excellent news for Uist and for the Outer Hebrides. This investment demonstrates a commitment to the base and the employment that it provides and to a secure future.
‘I would hope this upgrading of equipment will make the Hebrides Range even more competitive and will pave the way for future development in this important sector for the islands. ‘I hope this investment opens the route to new and innovative business at the range, that it provides stability for the workforce and opens new opportunities for young people.
‘The comhairle remains highly supportive of the Hebrides Range and I would be keen that we continue to work with the range to maximise local opportunities from this investment.’