The Deputy First Minister has been urged to meet with a local MSP over the imminent closure of a Moray shopping centre.
Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Douglas Ross says he hopes Kate Forbes MSP will meet with him “as a matter of urgency” to discuss the closure of Elgin’s St Giles Centre on Monday, January 20.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes and Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Douglass Ross.
Mr Ross made the call after he raised the closure with her at the Scottish Parliament today (Wednesday), after attending a meeting organised by Elgin BID on Monday.
During portfolio questions, he described the situation as “unacceptable” and said the notice period given to businesses about the closure was “unprecedented” and asked Ms Forbes what she could do about the situation.
In response, she said she shared his concerns and that she would be very happy to progress any actions that reduce and alleviate the impact on local communities and find a solution.
Mr Ross went on to stress there is “no time to waste” and hopes that she will meet with him as quickly as possible, otherwise over 100 jobs will remain at risk and the impact on Elgin and Moray’s economy will be “deeply damaging.”
He said: “I was pleased to have the opportunity to raise the imminent closure of St Giles Centre directly with the Deputy First Minister in Parliament.
“Following her positive response, I hope that Kate Forbes will now meet me with as a matter of urgency to discuss what actions the SNP government can take to delay or stop the closure of the centre.
“There really is no time to waste given this unacceptable and unprecedented situation means St Giles will shut its doors on Monday.
“Well over 100 jobs are on the line and having met with businesses I am seriously concerned about the deeply damaging impact closure would have on those working in the centre and our local economy.
“I am determined to do everything I can to assist the business in the St Giles Centre and hope that I will be able to meet with Kate Forbes very soon.”