Minister Announces £190k HIE Investment In Moray Shipyard Expansion

2nd September 2022

Photograph of Minister Announces £190k HIE Investment In Moray Shipyard Expansion

Macduff Shipyard Limited (MSL) is to double the berthing capacity of its facility in Buckie.

This will enable the company to take on more building, maintenance and repair work for various industry sectors and vessels.

The HIE investment was confirmed during a visit by Business Minister Ivan McKee on Tuesday (30 August 2022). Mr McKee said, "Scotland has long had a rich shipbuilding heritage and it is exciting to see MSL build on that legacy with this project. I wholeheartedly welcome this announcement, which will safeguard jobs in and around Buckie and contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of the local community."

The HIE funding will support the construction, build and equipment costs relating to a new fully automated slipping cradle berth, in a move that will develop new skills and create jobs.

MSL was formed more than 80 years ago and has grown into a valuable provider of rural skilled employment.

The company carries out new builds, conversions, modernisations, refits and repairs, as well as installation of complete deck machinery packages for all types and sizes of vessels.

It also refits oil related vessels and ferries, providing full-service docking, painting, engineering, and fabrication.

The Buckie yard was acquired by MSL in 2013, where the company has since built several barges and landing crafts for the aquaculture and renewables sector, as well as fishing vessels and the Moray Council owned dredger, MV Selkie.

Steve Richards, senior development manager with HIE in Moray, said, "Macduff Shipyard Ltd is a crucial part of the local supply chain for all forms of marine industries. With the growth in aquaculture and offshore renewables, the company is well placed to continue serving these sectors while expanding services.

"This latest project will enable the company to provide additional security for existing employees, develop new skills, and create a significant number of new well-paid jobs in Buckie. Importantly it will add to the company's role in developing the young workforce, including through apprenticeships. All of this contributes to community resilience and the wider economy.

"We are very pleased to be able to provide support for the project and look forward to continuing to work with MSL as they take forward their plans."

Rory McCann, commercial director at MSL, said,"HIE has played an important part in our growth strategy in Buckie since 2013 and we are delighted that they continue to be so supportive of this latest development. This project should be completed in spring 2023 and will allow us to grow our business further in the town."

PHOTO
Business Minister Ivan McKee chats with MSL managing director, John Watt during the visit

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

8/10/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Innovation and AI: New opportunities for businesses across the Highlands and Islands

Innovation has always been a defining characteristic of businesses and social enterprises in the Highlands and Islands.   Whether developing new products, finding ways to overcome the challenges of distance and geography, improving services, or identifying new markets, organisations across the region have a long track record of adapting and evolving.  

30/9/2026 : Local Authority

Scottish Cities Alliance Investment Conference to showcase Highland opportunities

Inverness will welcome government representatives, investors, business leaders and economic development partners later this week as it hosts the Scottish Cities Alliance Autumn Investor Event.  A two-day programme designed to showcase investment opportunities across Inverness, the Highlands and Scotland's city regions.  

29/9/2026 : Local Authority

Are We Trying to Save Britain’s Towns Without Planning Their Future?

Walk through almost any British town centre and you can see the evidence of change.   There are empty shops where there were once businesses.  

26/9/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

September is Scottish Start-Up Month – could your business idea become a reality?

September has become a month when Scotland's aspiring entrepreneurs are being encouraged to take a closer look at an idea that may have been sitting in the back of their minds for some time.   Scottish Start-Up Month, led by Business Gateway, has returned for 2026 with a simple message: if you have an idea for a business, this could be the month to take the first step.  

22/9/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Scotland and Ireland Strengthen Economic Links Between Gaelic Communities

Scotland and Ireland Strengthen Economic Links Between Gaelic Communities Scotland and Ireland are developing closer links between their Gaelic-speaking communities, with housing, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, tourism and the marine economy among the areas being explored for future cooperation.   The initiative was highlighted during a visit to Skye by Ireland's President Catherine Connolly, who met representatives of Highland organisations including Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Highland Council.  

22/9/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

AI Support For Businesses In Highland

Businesses and social enterprises across the Highlands and Islands are being supported to explore the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence (AI) through two new support initiatives launched today by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) as part of AI Scotland.   Applications are now open for the new AI Adoption Programme and AI Mentoring Support service, which are designed to help organisations understand, assess and implement AI technologies that can improve productivity, boost innovation and support growth.  

21/9/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

£1.78m innovation programme to benefit 500 businesses

A new three-year programme (14 September) is expected to help more than 500 businesses and social enterprises across the Highlands and Islands to innovate and grow.   Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has approved a £1.78m budget to fund the programme, which builds on ten years of innovation support by the agency.  

11/9/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
HIE appoints new area manager for Caithness and Sutherland

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has appointed Claire Wilson as its new area manager for Caithness and Sutherland.   Claire succeeds Eann Sinclair, who retired after eight years as area manager and more than three decades with HIE.  

8/9/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Public sector investment supports floating offshore wind foundations development for Highlands

Plans to produce floating offshore wind foundations at Port of Ardersier have taken a step forward with the approval of more than £778,000 in Scottish Government funding.   Approval was given by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) after close collaboration with Scottish Enterprise’s international arm, Scottish Development International (SDI), to secure the project for Scotland.  

1/9/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Scotland Is Attracting the Investment But Where Is Caithness and Sutherland's Share?

There is an encouraging message in the latest investment figures for Scotland.  There is also a question that should matter particularly to Caithness and Sutherland.