A meeting will be held in Innerleithen today for Caerlee Mill workers who have lost their jobs following the closure of the factory in the Scottish Borders.
Union representatives will be at the Memorial Hall between 1pm and 3pm.
Christine Grahame MSP has been reacting to the closure of Caerlee Mills in her constituency:
– Christine Grahame MSP"I have been in touch with the Scottish Government to see if there is some way of ensuring that these skilled employees, who have taken years to develop their skills in textiles, can be redeployed within the borders.''
Workers who have lost their jobs following the closure of Caerlee Mills in Innerleithen are waiting to hear what support they will receive as they attempt to find new employment today.
Liquidators had hoped to secure a new buyer for the mill which produces luxure cashmere goods.When no interest was expressed the decision to cease trading with immediate effect was made.
Three staff are being retained in the short term to assist winding down the business.
This is another damaging blow to the Borders textile industry which is being squeezed by competition from cheaper foreign imports.
Blair Nimmo of liquidators KPMG said:
– Blair Nimmo, KPMGDespite our best efforts to secure the sale of the mill we have been left with no option other than to cease all operations with immediate effect.
“Unfortunately 33 of the company’s 36 employees have been made redundant, with three staff being retained in the short term to assist in winding down the business.
“We would like to thank staff for their co-operation through this difficult process. "We will be working with employees to ensure that support to find alternative employment is available for all those who need it.”
One of Scotland's oldest textile mills is facing potential closure, with the loss of 36 jobs.
Caerlee Mill in Innerleithen has called in administrators, but local politicians hope to find a buyer.
Jenny Longden has this report:
Scottish Borders councillor Gavin Logan, said:
"Innerleithen has had more than its share of bad luck in recent years and I hope that every effort is being made to attract new businesses and jobs to the town."
"The company prided itself on its 'Caerlee Mills 100 per cent made in Scotland' label but has now fallen victim to the harsh economic tradition conditions in the knitwear industry."
Scotland's oldest continually operating textile mill is facing possible closure.
36 jobs could be at risk at the Innerleithen based Caerlee Mills after receivers were called in.
The mill dates back to 1788 and once employed 400 workers under the ownership of Ballantyne and Dawson International.
– Stuart Bell, Scottish Borders Council's economic development spokesman"I am deeply disappointed by the news that Caerlee Mills have called in the Receiver.
"This puts at risk the jobs of 36 staff, a team led by Tom Harkness who have struggled on trying to keep this business alive.
"They struggled through very difficult circumstances and in the teeth of an international recession.
"There may be a glimmer of hope in the fact that some other textile businesses in the Borders have seen a recent upturn in business but this is still a bitter blow for Innerleithen as its last mill goes into receivership."
Planning permission has been given for a mountain bike chairlift in Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders.
The project will cost around £5 million to complete and will also include a visitor centre and a toboggan run.
It's claimed it will create around 100 jobs.
Scottish Borders Council granted approval for the scheme during a meeting, but the developers will have to look at moving the entrance to the site because bats roost at the current proposed site.
– Ian Campbell from developers AIMUp"This is obviously great news for the project, Innerleithen & we believe the Scottish Borders. With planning approval, we have something tangible to progress discussions with potential funders."
School Children from the Scottish Borders are putting on their own Farmer's market today, as part of a project learning about local produce and business.
The P6 pupils at St Ronan's Primary School in Innerleithen have been communicating with real businesses and exploring food produced locally, as well as learning about food miles and pollution in class.
They have been involved in all areas, from, risk assessment to marketing and managing finances.