Fort diving centre is set to fold

The Underwater Centre in Fort William has been placed into administration, putting more than 50 jobs at risk.

Staff were told this week that the subsea training centre has been forced to cease trading and the process of appointing administrators is ‘ongoing’.

David McGhie, managing director of The Underwater Centre, said: ‘We regret to confirm that The Underwater Centre has been forced to cease trading and will be placed into administration. It was heartbreaking informing our committed, loyal and professional staff.

‘Government, industry and the local management team have been working hard over the past year to try to find a sustainable solution for the centre. Unfortunately, this has not been possible.’

In May this year, a deal was announced to restructure The Underwater Centre which saw industry and public bodies, including Subsea 7, TechnipFMC, Premier Oil, Oil & Gas UK, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), collaborating to support the diver training company.

Kate Forbes MSP said that ‘no stone has been left unturned’.