Politicians, managers and union leaders have held high-level talks on how they can support hundreds of factory workers whose employment at Aberdeen’s last paper mill is under threat.
A cross-party meeting was called yesterday to discuss the future of the nearly 250-year-old Stoneywood plant after the ArjoWiggns owned site was placed in receivership this week.
First minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she was “very concerned” about the mill and said she would look at setting up a task force to safeguard jobs and find a new buyer.
Aberdeen Donside MSP Mark McDonald raised the issue at First Minister’s Questions on Thursday.
He said: “Today’s meeting was an important demonstration of the strong and united approach being taken by local politicians, management and unions to ensure that the very clear and resounding message goes out that Stoneywood Mill has a positive future and that everyone is focused on securing a buyer to safeguard that.”
Mill manager Angus MacSween added: “This has been a difficult time for all employees and our families, and the support that has been demonstrated is very welcome.
“The city is behind us and we are committed to securing a buyer for the business in the coming weeks.’
Unite union regional officer Tommy Campbell described it as a “positive” meeting. He added: “We are pleased that everyone concerned is working together to secure a long-term future for the paper mill.”
And north-east Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald stressed that both workers and management at the mill were determined to press ahead and continue running a “successful and profitable” business.