Jobs axed at Benbecula rocket range

Jobs have been cut at a military rocket range in the Outer Hebrides, with potential for more losses.

The QinetiQ site is Europe's largest weapons test range.

Nine posts have been axed at MOD Hebrides in Benbecula, with consultations being carried out for further redundancies.

The site, operated by QinetiQ, is the largest weapons test and evaluation range in Europe.

Subcontractor Elior, a catering and cleaning company, has cut nine jobs, while redundancy consultations are under way with subcontractor Mitie.

It comes as the operator is scaling back facilities at the West Camp site.

A spokeswoman for Elior UK said: “We can confirm that nine Elior employees have been made redundant following consultations to determine the level of catering required for the scaled-back facilities at the West Camp.”

A Mitie spokeswoman said: “QinetiQ is scaling back facilities at West Camp and as a result, it is unlikely that a physical security presence will be required at that site.

“We have entered into a consultation period with our employees and our primary focus is to support them throughout this process.”

Mitie has 15 security employees across the three military sites on the island.