60 redundancies as KPMG takes over at Dunoon construction firm

A total of 60 staff at construction firm Stewart McNee (Dunoon) Ltd are being made redundant after the firm was placed into administration last week.

Blair Nimmo and Tony Friar of KPMG, were appointed as joint administrators of the firm – which was formed in 1973 – on Thursday at the request of the company’s directors.

The family-run firm is now in administration, with losses being blamed on “tough trading conditions” and “significant cash flow difficulties”.

The Scottish Government said it is making every effort to support those who have been made redundant.

Just one employee has been left in place.

Business minister Fergus Ewing said: “KPMG have confirmed that they have made 60 employees of Stewart McNee construction redundant, most of whom live in the town. This news will be devastating for employees, their families and the town of Dunoon and the Scottish Government will do everything possible to help.

“Our initiative for responding to redundancy situations, Partnership Action for Continuing Employment is already engaged with the administrators, who will today issue a letter on our behalf inviting employees to attend four PACE drop in sessions over the next fortnight to provide immediate help. Through providing skills development and employability support, PACE aims to minimise the time that individuals affected by redundancy are out of work. Skills Development Scotland will also help the five Modern Apprentices who trained at the company.”

Mr Nimmo of KPMG said: “It is highly regrettable that such a long-established family business and significant employer in the Cowal Peninsula has succumbed to market and cash flow pressures.

“Our immediate priorities are to ensure that all employees are supported, working closely with the relevant government agencies.

“We will explore the possibility of transferring existing contracts to another contractor as we seek to maximise asset realisations.”

PACE redundancy events scheduled to help workers will take place in Dunoon his week and next.