Paisley in running for airport assembly project

Paisley could be chosen as an engineering hub to assemble parts for the extended Heathrow Airport.

Terminal bosses are running the rule over sites across the country.

The Glasgow Airport Investment Area is among those shortlisted for the construction project.

Economy secretary Keith Brown says the town is in the running alongside 10 other sites.

He said: “Expansion at Heathrow will bring major investment and job creation opportunities to Scotland.

“The establishment of a logistics hub in Scotland is one of the key commitments secured in the Memorandum of Understanding we signed with the airport.

“We are very pleased to see bids from across Scotland being given detailed consideration by the Heathrow team.

“This round of visits will improve the delegation’s understanding and knowledge of what we have to offer.”

The hubs will be used to pre-assemble components before they are transported to the airport.

They are essential in ensuring the Heathrow expansion delivers for the whole country by spreading jobs, boosting productivity and modernising the construction industry outside of London.

The project will create up to 16,000 new jobs and deliver up to £ 17 billion worth of economic growth across Scotland.

The additional capacity expansion will bring could also create the potential for new domestic services to Scottish airports boosting the country’s tourism and trade.

Lord Deighton, chairman at Heathrow Airport, insists project cash will be spread across Britain.

He said: “The Heathrow Expansion project is a once in a generation opportunity to transform the UK construction industry.

“It will build for the future and deliver a lasting skills legacy for future generations.”