Council disappointment at Icetech liquidation and loss of jobs

The Highland Council has expressed its deep regret at the liquidation of Castletown-based company, Icetech Freezers Ltd,  with the loss of more than 70 jobs.

Councillor Deirdre Mackay, Leader of the Council’s Caithness and Sutherland Area Committee, said: “This is a huge blow for the Caithness economy.   The loss of 100 jobs in this long-established company will be felt across the county. Clearly the collapse of Comet was a major factor in the loss of business.”

Councillor Gail Ross, the Council’s civic leader for Caithness, echoed the disappointment at the liquidation of Icetech.  She said: “Icetech, and Norfrost before it, provided excellent employment in this part of Caithness for many years and closure and the loss of so many jobs is a very great disappointment.”

Both are hopeful that the skills of the Icetech workforce can be used by other employers in the area as efforts continue to diversify the Caithness and North Sutherland economy in the wake of the rundown of Dounreay.

The Council will be working with Skills Development Scotland through the PACE initiative, will provide support for those looking to start new businesses through Business Gateway, and support those looking for work through its local employability service. In addition the Council will strengthen its  work through the Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership and the Caithness Chamber of Commerce to secure inward investment to the north.