An emergency meeting was held at Argyll and Bute Council yesterday, following the shock announcement that the Vestas wind turbine factory is to close its manufacturing plant in Kintyre, resulting in the loss of 92 jobs.

Council officials met with representatives from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Argyll and Bute MP Alan Reid to discuss ways to try and save the factory and help protect the Kintyre's already fragile economy.

Cllr Dick Walsh said: "The closure of Vestas will not only have an impact on those being paid off and their families, but it will also affect many more people, including those who help transport the turbines and the catering team who serve the factory's canteen.

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"The wage bill alone for Vestas is said to be around £2.5 million - that is a huge loss to the local economy."

No representative from Vestas attending the meeting, insisting any talks had to take place at the company's head office in Denmark. As a result, it was agreed the group will write to the Scottish Government, urging a delegation to arrange a meeting with the Chief Executive of Vestas as soon as possible.

According to the company, the renewable energy market is moving extremely fast and Vestas now plans to focus on offshore development in the North Sea.

Alan Reid MP, also advised those in attendance that he would write to the Secretary of State as a matter of urgency to find out what the future held for the former MoD base in Campbeltown as, depending on what decision is taken, this has the potential for job opportunities.

A further meeting will take place in Campbeltown on Friday with Argyll and Bute MSP Jim Mather - in his role as Scottish Energy Minister - to look at various options.

See: Campbeltown Turbine Factory Outlined For Closure

(JM/NS)