Borders MP responds to Hawick Knitwear job losses

This news is shattering for Hawick and the Borders and I want to express my profound sympathies for all those who have been made redundant as a result.

I have been in touch with the Scottish Enterprise, which is seeking to have early meetings with the company to to see what help it can provide. I'll also be reaching out to the administrators to offer any support I can in working to secure a future for the company.

Hawick Knitwear is a hugely respected operation with a top class reputation within the industry and a brilliant, dedicated workforce. It has a long history in the town dating back to 1874 and is very much part of its industrial heritage.

I believe that real opportunities do exist for the business to succeed. This is always a challenging time of year in the knitwear sector, but the company has a strong history in high end products such as cashmere and this is very much where the market is heading, with consumers worldwide eager to buy these products.

I am happy to play any role I can in securing the company's future. In the meantime, if any of the workforce feel I can be of help, then I would urge them to get in touch with me or my MSP colleague Paul Wheelhouse without delay.