New jobs in the pipeline as local firm takes over quarries

New life will be breathed into three quarries previously operated by Hanson Aggregates thanks to a move by Garriock Brothers to return them to commercial production with more than £1 million worth of investment.

The local building contractor is aiming to export high quality gravel from the Brindister quarry south of Gulberwick and will take on leases at Wadbister quarry Vaster and Wardhill near Sumburgh as part of the deal.

Managing director George Garriock said the news, which could help create up to 10 new jobs, would help the company with its ongoing expansion. He said up to £1.2 million would be invested within the next few weeks.

Garriock Brothers will operate block equipment and a ready mix plant from Brindister. “We bought all the assets of Hanson in Shetland and it gives us leases on the quarries and all their equipment, lorries and block equipment and so on,” he said.

“We’re very keen to get on with it and we’re going to be doing a fair bit of investment in it. We’ll be looking to take on extra staff. There are lorry drivers and other experienced people in Shetland. It makes a big difference to us.”

Brindister quarry shut down last year after Hanson made the decision to leave Shetland altogether. At the time its communications manager David Weeks said the company had been suffering serious losses.

However Mr Garriock said he would maximise the potential for export, which could see vast quantities of high quality stone shipped south for use on road surfaces.