Johnston Carmichael Appointed as Administrators of The Underwater Centre

Johnston Carmichael’s Gordon MacLure and Donald McNaught have been appointed as joint administrators of The Underwater Centre in Fort William.

The Underwater Centre, recognized as a centre of excellence for diver training, subsea trials and testing, had to cease trading on October 15, 2018, putting 50 jobs at risk.

Donald McNaught, restructuring partner at Johnston Carmichael, said: “Despite a long history of providing subsea training and testing, The Underwater Centre has been severely hit by the recent and prolonged downturn in the oil and gas industry.

“Our first priority is the staff and we will be working with PACE and other organisations to ensure they receive the support they need. We will also be working with all stakeholders and interested parties to explore the options for the business and its assets.”

The Centre was placed into administration just months after it completed restructuring to become a not-for-profit company, which has seen support from industry and public bodies.