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£2 million funding for projects to counter job losses in Fife

An employee-led bid to buy part of Tullis Russell was included.
An employee-led bid to buy part of Tullis Russell was included.

A further £2 million is being invested in tackling unemployment in Fife.

The Fife Taskforce, which brings together public and private bodies, workforce representatives and local politicians to mitigate the impact of job losses, announced funding for four projects after meeting in Glenrothes.

Included was a £150,000 grant for an employee-led bid to buy part of Tullis Russell. The move would save 10 skilled jobs.

It was the sixth meeting of the taskforce, which is co-chaired by Deputy First Minister John Swinney and Fife Council leader David Ross.

Mr Swinney said: “The focus of the taskforce is on action that continues to assist people, businesses and communities affected by job losses in central Fife.

“Supported by £6m from the Scottish Government, these initiatives will help deliver economic growth in the Glenrothes area and central Fife.

“We would like to recognise the continued efforts, not only of the public sector agencies involved, but also of the private sector that has also done all it can to help offer jobs and opportunities to those made redundant.

“There is still work to be done and opportunity to be created. The taskforce has a specific vision and an immediate plan of action to support workers and use the £6m we have provided to support the local community and the wider Fife economy.”

Four local projects will receive a total of £2,070,000. Of the £6m set aside, £3.3 million has now been allocated.

Queensway Green Technology Park received £1,170,000 towards regenerating Queensway Industrial Estate into a modern business and technology park.

A grant of £500,000 was awarded to Glenrothes Enterprise Hub to encourage new business initiatives.

And £250,000 is going towards projects providing support for communities most affected by the closure of Tullis Russell. This includes town centre improvements, support for community groups and a retail showcase and education centre.

Mr Ross added: “I am pleased with what has been achieved to date through the Taskforce, but the job is by no means finished.

“There are still significant numbers of workers directly affected by the Tullis Russell and other closures who require our continued support, and that will be forthcoming.

“We also have much to do to support the creation of alternative employment opportunities in the Glenrothes and wider Fife area to replace the jobs lost at Tullis Russell and elsewhere.

“We are making progress on this and I would like to thank all those from public, private and voluntary sectors who are making valuable contributions to this work.”