Westminster general election candidates for the Glenrothes and Central Fife constituency voiced their concern at the Tullis Russell jobs announcement.
Following Monday’s news, Labour’s Melanie Ward said: “This is terrible news for Tullis Russell’s workers and their families. It is a desperately sad day for Fife, particularly our communities in Markinch and Glenrothes and the supply chain companies that will be hit.
“I fully support Fife Council’s efforts to help families who have been affected by the company going into administration.”
Jane Ann Liston, the Liberal Democrat candidate for Glenrothes, said: “A bitter blow and I’m dreadfully sorry for those who have been made redundant.”
Alex Stewart-Clark, the Conservative candidate, said: “It is with great sadness that we see a 200-year-old company going to the wall with 325 employees made redundant and 149 being kept on. We have to pray there is someone out there who will come in and buy it.”
Councillor Peter Grant the leader of the SNP group on Fife Council and Westminster candidate for Glenrothes and Central Fife said: “I fully support the multi-agency approach that has been taken so far. I will do everything in my power for the Tullis Russell workforce and business and hope for further speedy and decisive action.”
In neighbouring North East Fife, Conservative candidate Huw Bell said: “This will come as a huge blow to workers here in Fife.”
North East Fife Liberal Democrat candidate Tim Brett said: “This is a mon umental economic blow at the heart of Fife. The paper mill has supplied quality paper products to the world and provided good quality jobs to local people.
SNP North East Fife candidate Stephen Gethins said: “This is dreadful news for people across Fife, in particular those directly affected by the decision and their families.
“It is important that all of us from across the political spectrum work together at this difficult time.”
Independent North East Fife candidate Mike Scott-Hayward said: “This is a blow and Fife Council, I am sure, will do what it can to help staff moving on.”