Moray SNP News
LOCHHEAD HOLDS ST GILES CENTRE TALKS WITH SCOT GOV INVESTMENT MINISTER
15/01/2025Richard Lochhead MSP for Moray has today met with the Scottish Government’s Minister for Employment and Investment, Tom Arthur, to discuss the closure of the St Giles Shopping Centre in Elgin.
Mr Lochhead raised the need for public agencies to support the businesses affected by the closure to remain in Elgin.
Moray’s SNP MSP also conveyed to the Minister the unacceptable notice period given to the tenants of the St Giles Centre and the need for lessons to be learned from this situation.
Speaking after their meeting Mr Lochhead said:
“Following the meeting held in Elgin this week with key stakeholders to discuss the imminent closure of the St Giles Shopping Centre, I secured an urgent meeting with the Scottish Government’s Employment and Investment Minister to update him on this most unfortunate situation.
“My thoughts are very much with the local staff and businesses who are affected by the closure of the centre and the unacceptably short notice period given by the owner.
“The Minister has agreed to visit Elgin in the coming weeks to meet the business community to discuss what lessons can be learned from this saga. I also asked for advice on sources of support that could potentially be offered to help businesses remain in Elgin and will provide a response in writing to me as soon as possible.
“In the meantime, it is important that local partners continue to work together to retain many of the affected businesses and jobs in the town centre.”
