The Scottish Government has pledged an initial £6 million of financial support for economic growth in Fife following the collapse of papermaker Tullis Russell.
The money will in part be used to help fund retraining for the workforce at the administartion hit Markinch plant, which was placed into administration yesterday with the immediate loss of 325 jobs.
Speaking ahead of a visit to the plant later today, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said the cash will go to support the work of the Fife Taskforce in supporting economic recovery and growth locally.
Mr Swinney also said the first meeting of the taskforce will take place on Thursday.
“This is a very anxious time for the workers at Tullis Russell, their families and indeed the wider community across Fife,” Mr Swinney said.
“Particularly in a small town the size of Markinch, the potential impact of these job losses cannot be underestimated.
“We are therefore making an immediate and initial financial investment of £6 million to support the work of the Fife Taskforce.
“This money will provide additional support for skills development, training and support for local businesses.
“We will work with Fife Council to ensure these additional resources complement existing activity and support economic growth in this part of Fife.
“It will help support the creation of new jobs and especially to help with skills retraining to ensure the Tullis Russell staff who have lost their jobs are in the best possible position to move quickly in to new positions.”