John Swinney offers hope to workers at troubled Scotherbs

The loss of Tesco orders will be hard for Scotherbs to overcome but all is not yet lost, North Perthshire MSP John Swinney said yesterday after talks with company bosses.

They have begun consultation with staff over the future of the closure-threatened business at Longforgan.

The loss of the Tesco contract has brought the viability of the business into question, despite strong orders from other major supermarket chains.

Mr Swinney said: “Scotherbs is a first class agricultural company.

“The company has made great progress in recent years, but unfortunately, a loss of orders has led to significant financial challenges for the company.

“I have discussed these challenges with the company and have assured those I spoke to of the willingness of the Scottish Government and its agencies to do all that can be done to assist the safeguarding of employment.”