Minister for Business Paul Wheelhouse will convene an action meeting in Annan to discuss the proposed closure of the Pinney’s of Scotland site. The purpose of the meeting is for Mr Wheelhouse to update a range of local stakeholders, including Council members and local MSPs, on the progress of talks with Young’s Seafood and to hear from them about their concerns and the impact the proposed closure will have on the local community.
Last month Mr Wheelhouse held talks with the Chief Executive of Young’s Seafood, Bill Showalter, and with representatives of the workforce at Pinney’s who he said are continuing to do an excellent job in difficult circumstances. Mr Wheelhouse has since written to Mr Showalter regarding the proposed sale of Young’s Seafood which he says adds further uncertainty to an already complex situation. In light of the planned sale Mr Wheelhouse is calling on Young’s to keep all options open to secure a positive future for the site, including the possibility of retaining the Pinneys site, brand and workforce as part of the wider company sale.
Speaking ahead of the action meeting, Business Minister Paul Wheelhouse said:
“While this continues to be very worrying time for Young’s employees, their families and the wider community of Annandale and Eskdale, I want to assure all those affected that we are committed to doing everything we can to find a viable solution for the future.
“This action group meeting is part of our ongoing commitment to the local community. When I met with representatives of the Pinneys workforce last month I promised to keep the community as up-to-date as possible on the progress of our talks, and to ensure they could share their concerns and the impact the proposed closure is having on them and on the local economy.
“Clearly the proposed sale of Young’s Seafood adds further uncertainty to an already complex situation and that is why I have written to the Chief Executive urging him to keep all possible options open for the future of the Pinneys site, including retaining the site, the Pinneys brand and workforce and we will look to Young’s to work with us to ensure a positive outcome for the workforce and the town.”
The Action Group meeting will take place on Wednesday 2nd May at 7.15pm in Annan Town Hall.
