Scott urges support for textiles industry (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale Liberal Democrats)

Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Scott urges support for textiles industry

January 14, 2010 5:14 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott MSP urged the First Minister to get behind the party's proposals to support the textile industry.

People at Innerleithen are battling to save one of Scotland's biggest textile mills. The Caerlee Mill owners have called in the administrators as 170 jobs are at stake in a town of 2,500.

Commenting, Mr Scott said:

"Textiles in the Borders has been hit hard in the recession. We have proposed how the Scottish Government can give more support to manufacturing and textiles jobs as part of its Budget. I'm pleased that the First Minister recognised that support for key export industries is essential.

"Scottish manufacturing figures for the last year were stark, with a 19 per cent drop in textile exports.

"But those we still have are rising to the challenge of building new markets and creating new, high-end products.

"The 5 year trend shows conclusively that the Scottish textiles industry does have a future. It can grow and be a success. Caerlee Mill should have a future.

"The Scottish Government must create the space, time and opportunity for new investors and buyers to be secured.

"For people to lose their jobs in this historic industry and for the Borders to suffer loss after loss, is not the right course when the future could be so bright and promising."