Ministers search for solution to bail out at-risk Pinneys seafood factory

The Scottish Government is in talks with several companies inabidtosaveastrugglingseafood factory in Dumfries and Galloway.

Business Minister Paul Wheelhouse revealed ministers were trying to help find potential new contracts for workers at the Pinneys site in Annan after bosses at Young’s Seafood announced the fac- tory had been earmarked for closure.

As many as 450 jobs could go if the factory closes its doors. Mr Wheelhouse warned of the impact the closure could have on the local economy.

A consultation is due to get underway with site workers on Monday.

Ahead of the meeting, the Business Minister said: “We have to go into the consultation, which starts next week, with a genuine open mind about saving all the jobs if we can do so.”

Mr Wheelhouse told BBC Radio Scotland that ministers were working to “find alternative opportunities for the site, perhaps contracts”. He said: “The Scottish Government has excellent links with the food and drinks sector both in terms of the retail sector and other suppliers and we’re looking to see if we can identify commercial opportunities that could be taken forward.”