May visit sees £ 350m growth deal get closer
PM reveals investment talks to start
A breakthrough has finally been made on a £ 350million investment programme to get Ayrshire moving again.
PM Theresa May, at an Ayr knitwear factory on Thursday, revealed she was “opening talks” on a tie- up for investment cash between Westminster and Holyrood.
The Ayrshire Growth Deal will be managed by the three councils and had been at deadlock over funding.
It will finance projects in key sectors from manufacturing to food and tourism.
Ayr MP Bill Grant welcomed the leader to the town and said: “This is fantastic news for Ayrshire and Scotland. I have been campaigning for action on the Growth Deal since my election as an MP nine months ago and it was wonderful to welcome the Prime Minister to Ayr.
“The deal will transform the region and place us at the forefront of innovation and productivity in Scotland.
“I look forward now to working with the UK Government, the Scottish Government, and local partners to develop proposals in detail. This is an opportunity that we must seize with both hands.
“It only goes to show what strong cooperation between Scotland’s Conservative MPs and the UK Government can achieve, and how there is much to look forward to as we leave the European Union”
Cash could go for more aerospace sector firms at Prestwick, development of Irvine Harbourside and the Ardeer Peninsula and Ayrshire being considered for a medicines manufacturing centre.
The deal could also help road improvements and better digital infrastructure.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Ayr was cloaked in secrecy and she arrived at the factory at 7.50am, leaving exactly an hour later after a tour and meeting staff.
We can reveal she spent a night in the lap of luxury at the five- star Lochgreen House Hotel in Troon the night before.
She would have enjoyed the tranquil retreat where guests usually fill themselves with fine seafood and steak.
A six- strong motorcycle cavalcade escorted her Range Rover out of Troon and onto Prestwick Road the following morning.
The security team also included police and special branch 4X4s.
The Ayrshire Post was snubbed by Downing Street when we asked to get inside the factory.
Staff at the premises claimed they knew nothing about a visit.
Ayr MSP John Scott said: “This is welcome news for jobs and a good day for Ayrshire.
“Discussions between local authorities and project developers can now proceed, leading to priorities being established and suitable projects being identified for support by Government in due course.”
Philippa Whitford, SNP MP for Central Ayrshire, said: “After nearly 18 months of lobbying, I am delighted the UK Government has finally given a commitment.
“The plan seeks to capitalise on the region’s existing strengths and infrastructure through developing the aerospace, life sciences, Food and Drink and manufacturing industries.”
Councillor Joe Cullinane, leader of North Ayrshire Council, admitted: “It’s been hard having these potentially transformational plans without being able to take them significantly forward. We have worked hard to identify projects that will benefit Ayrshire.”