Published: Friday, 29th January, 2010 12:18pm

Jobs for recently laid-off mill workers

REDUNDANT mill workers in Innerleithen will benefit from the creation of 12 new jobs in the town.

But the announcement will prove only a crumb of comfort for the former Ballantyne's workforce after 132 were laid off last week.

The new jobs are being offered by Johnstons of Elgin, after they signed a three-year lease on a unit at Leithen Road.

The 200-year old privately owned cashmere firm currently employs over 500 people at its base in Elgin and 250 at its premises in Hawick.

Johnstons' Hawick operation began 25 years ago with just six people and managing director, James Sugden, hopes for a similar expansion in Innerleithen.

He said: "We had planned to open this Innerleithen unit later in the year but the recent happenings at J.J. & H.B. 1788 Ltd accelerated our plans.

"The future of the textile industry is in producing high end products and for this you need skilled hand finishers, of which, Innerleithen has many.

"Also the premises we are moving into are quite big so there is an opportunity to expand in time and we're delighted with the move."

There may also be further good news for redundant mill workers in the near future.

MSP Jeremy Purvis has been meeting with the owners of various Borders mills this week.

He said: "I have had discussions with mills in Hawick and I'm hopeful that there will be employment opportunities for Innerleithen mill workers arising from this.

"Innerleithen needs all the help it can get at the moment and I'm happy to do my utmost."

Local councillor Gavin Logan said: "This has been a traumatic time for Innerleithen and it is welcome news that Johnstons of Elgin have leased a premises from the council.

"This is just the first step in the right direction. It is vitally important that these skilled jobs are retained and not lost forever."

Tweeddale MP David Mundell has also welcomed the news.

He said: "This is a glimmer of hope for the textile sector in Innerleithen and all positive developments are to be welcomed.

"However, we mustn't forget that 132 people lost their mill jobs here last week and the Scottish Government must do everything possible to assist as it is vital to retain textile skills here in Innerleithen and the Borders."