HELP is at hand for the workers made redundant following the closure of a firm in Mauchline.

MSP Brian Whittle raised the issue in Holyrood, of the difficulties the 40 staff face due to the sudden liquidation of renewable energy company VG Energy.

He quizzed Nicola Sturgeon during First Minister’s Questions last week, asking what the Scottish Government could do to support those who have been made redundant.

In her response to the question, she said: “This will be an extremely difficult time for the staff of the company concerned and the Scottish Government will liaise with the company to see if there are any ways in which employment can be protected.”

Ms Sturgeon went on to highlight the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment scheme (PACE), which is the Scottish Government’s main approach to supporting those faced with redundancy, and that one of her Minsters would be happy to speak to Mr Whittle about the issue in more detail.

Mr Whittle said: “The loss of VG Energy is a real blow to Mauchline and the surrounding community and I felt it was important to highlight this to the First Minister and I’m now speaking directly to the Business, Innovation and Energy Minister, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, to see if there’s any other action that can be taken.”