The Underwater Centre, located in the Scottish Highlands, has ceased trading and it has been placed into administration, putting 50 jobs at risk.
The news comes just months after Underwater Centre completed restructuring to become a not-for-profit company, which has seen support from industry and public bodies.
The Underwater Centre provided a notice on it website saying that it “has ceased trading and is not taking any future bookings.”
Andrew Baxter, Highland Council’s Lochaber Committee chair has expressed his concerns saying: “I am very disappointed to hear about the situation at the Underwater Centre. This is a world-class facility which is unique in the UK.
“Our immediate concerns are for the 50 staff employed at the centre which is one of Fort William’s largest employers, and for the welfare of the students, many of whom are from overseas. The council will be seeking meetings on site to see how we might assist.”
The Underwater Centre is a purpose-built subsea training and trials facility based on the shore of Loch Linnhe. The Centre provides year-round training and testing in an open-water environment.