WESTERN Isles SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has expressed his concerns about the news that 35 workers are being paid off at the largest of the Harris Tweed mills –Kenneth Mackenzie's in Stornoway.
Mr Allan is now seeking an urgent meeting with the mill owner Brian Haggis, to try and find out what his plans are for the future. He will also be putting down a question in the Scottish Parliament regarding the worrying situation in the Harris Tweed
Industry at present.
Said Mr Allan: "Many inside the Industry had huge reservations from the outset about Mr Haggis's strategy for Harris Tweed, and this is now being amplified, after yesterday's significant announcement about job losses.
"I am now seeking an urgent meeting with Mr Haggis, as it is imperative that he makes his future strategy for the company known. The Harris Tweed Industry is too important to the economy of the Western Isles. I will also be arranging meetings with Government agencies and weavers to discuss this issue.
"Weavers, who have stayed very loyal to the Industry over the years, are now finding themselves going weeks and weeks without work, when it is clear that this shouldn't be the case," he said.
Mr Allan added: "A vibrant Harris Tweed Industry is important to the economy of Lewis and Harris. Yesterday's news is not what is needed for the many that depend on the Harris Tweed Industry for their livelihood."
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