More than 400 new jobs as first Grangemouth transition project gets government funding

More than 400 new jobs are expected to be created at Grangemouth as the first transition project has received government funding.

An algae plant transforming whisky waste into fish-free Omega 3 has been backed by up to £1.5m from the Scottish Government. The funding will be matched by the UK Government.

Scottish biotech company MiAlgae is expected to save an estimated 30 tonnes of fish for every tonne of algae produced, reducing the impact of overfishing on fish stocks.

The development is to break ground on Thursday.

The money will start creating new jobs on the site from next year, supporting around 310 jobs over the next five years, and delivering an additional £53m into the Scottish economy.

As a condition of the grant funding, eligible Grangemouth workers will be given priority during recruitment, including a guaranteed job interview.

UK energy minister Michael Shanks is visiting Grangemouth on Thursday.

“When we came into office, there was no plan for Grangemouth,” he said.

“That’s why we quickly took action to secure the site’s long-term future, while supporting affected workers into new jobs.

“Today we’re taking another step forward as we back the first new project at the site, creating hundreds of new, decent jobs and attracting further investment in the area.

“This project, alongside the £200 million of funding pledged from the National Wealth Fund, is part of our clear strategy for Grangemouth’s industrial future. A strategy with workers, unions, businesses, and the wider community at its heart.”

An additional 149 jobs will be created at Celtic Renewables by 2030 following the allocation of £6.23m to support pre-construction work for a new bio-refinery at Grangemouth to support the manufacture of “green” chemicals from food and drink waste.

A further £600,000 will be awarded to Scottish Enterprise to support key planning and infrastructure activity at the site to ensure the area is a more attractive and shovel-ready location for new investment.

Scottish energy secretary Gillian Martin said: “Today’s announcement will help to support the creation of up to 460 roles directly and across the supply chain in Scotland, and help to highlight the wide range of viable alternatives for Grangemouth.

“They demonstrate that a long term, new industrial future at Grangemouth is achievable, and will be vital to support the local workforce and community.

“This funding is only the start of the Scottish Government’s support to help safeguard Grangemouth’s role as a leading industrial cluster, and ensure the site continues to support our economy through new, green investment opportunities.”