The Scottish Steel Task Force has met to discuss ongoing efforts regarding the future for Tate sites in the country. The talks aim to find an alternative operator for Tata Steel's Dalzell and Clydebridge plants, it has been announced. At the meeting, members were updated on the efforts undertaken to find new investors, reduce costs and create a supportive business environment.

Business Minister Fergus Ewing, who also chairs the Task Force, said: "The Scottish Steel Task Force remains completely focussed on finding an alternative operator for the Dalzell an Clydebridge plants and keeping as many jobs as possible. Since the first meeting a fortnight ago, there have been a number of developments."

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Mr Ewing continued: "Scottish Enterprise is pursuing every possible investment opportunity. It has circulated a marketing prospectus to all 29 SDI field offices to connect with potential investors around the world, and to 600 Globalscots, the worldwide network of business leaders dedicated to helping Scottish companies thrive.

"The Task Force heard presentations from two independent consultancies who agreed a viable future for the plants could be found, highlighting existing strengths and potential new markets. In conjunction with Tata Steel, discussions continue to explore viable options around where savings could be made in areas like procurement, energy efficiency and back office functions, in what are challenging global economic conditions.

"We have looked closely at whether and how business rates for the two sites could be reduced and are considering next steps. On procurement, we have looked at future public transport and infrastructure projects that need steel and have provided information to Tata Steel and workforce representatives."

Councillor Jim McCabe, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, added that the group "remains fully committed to finding an alternative operator and to keeping production going."

The Task Force is expected to meet again on 26 November, 2015.

(JP/MH)