First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has warmly welcomed the announcement of the sale of the mothballed Dalzell and Clydebridge steel facilities by Tata – securing their future. The deal follows months of negotiation and a concerted effort of the Scottish Steel Task Force – chaired by Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing – to find a buyer for the two plants. Commenting, Ms Sturgeon said: “I’m absolutely delighted that this deal has been sealed, bringing to an end months of anguish and uncertainty for communities in Motherwell and Cambuslang. “The concerted efforts of the SNP Government, Trade Unions, workforce and the companies themselves have paid off and I would like to sincerely thank all of those involved for their patience and persistence over the last few months. “I also want to thank Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing who led the Scottish Steel Task Force over the last few months, as it resolved a number of issues to help make this deal possible. “When Tata announced in October last year that these two plants were to be mothballed, I made a commitment that we would leave no stone unturned to secure the future of our steel industry – and we haven’t. “In times gone by, Scotland’s industries were left to wither and die by distant Westminster Governments. As long as I am First Minister, I will always stand stronger for jobs in Scotland.”
Kenneth Gibson added: “Having worked in the steel industry myself for four years in the 1980s, including Dalzell and Clydebridge, I am heartened by this news, which is testament to the hard work of all those involved who refused to give up on these plants. “Scotland’s steel industry is iconic and I hope that it will not just continue to survive but grow and thrive in the months and years ahead.”
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