Titanic builder Harland and Wolff's Lewis yard to be bought out by firm owned by Ross County chairman

Harland and Wolff’s yard in Lewis is to be bought out by a firm founded by the chairman of Ross County.

The Belfast-based shipbuilder who built the Titanic announced the business is set to move into administration on Tuesday.

Staff at its four shipyards – including in Arnish on the Isle of Lewis and Methil on the Firth of Forth – are not affected, the company said.

Now Global Energy Group, which owns a fabrication yard and is run by Ross County FC chairman Roy MacGregor, has confirmed its interest in buying the Lewis yard from Harland and Wolff.

The firm provides access teams to support the repair and enhancement of assets for the oil and gas and offshore wind sectors.

It is the second time Harland and Wolff has been placed into administration in five years.

A spokesperson said: “Global Energy Group have made initial inquiries into the Arnish Yard and look forward to ongoing discussions.”

Harland and Wolff’s interim executive chairman Russell Downs said the group had faced a “very challenging time” due to historic losses and a failure to secure long-term financing.

He said: “It’s important to recognise that this is very difficult news for staff and will affect many within group.

“We will work to support our staff through this transition.

“We also know that it will be very unwelcome news for shareholders who have shown significant commitment to the business over the last five years.

“The board, the senior managers and rest of the team are committed to deliver the best outcome for the four yards and communities they serve to ensure their continued operation into the long term under new ownership.

“Unfortunately, extremely difficult decisions have had to be taken to preserve the future of our yards.

“Despite the recent challenges, the four yards have a strong capability, under new ownership and with the continuing support of their customers, to deliver UK-based ship building and leading UK-based renewables employing over 1,300 committed personnel.

“It’s critical that the business comes through its financial troubles to secure an enduring legacy worthy of its name and its past for the benefit of the UK as a whole and its communities in particular.”