Moray SNP News

SNP REPRESENTATIVES RESPOND TO CLOSURE OF ST GILES SHOPPING CENTRE

SNP representatives Richard Lochhead MSP, Graham Leadbitter MP and Cllr Jérémie Fernandes have responded to the announcement that Elgin’s St Giles’ Shopping Centre is to close on 20 January. 

Richard Lochhead MSP for Moray said:

“The closure of the St Giles’ Centre, just as work gets underway to rejuvenate the town centre, will come a  blow to Elgin.

“It is unrealistic to give tenants less than two weeks’ notice of closure –  businesses can’t be expected to deal with the staffing and stock issues caused by closure in such a short period of time.

“I’ve spoken to Moray Council, as well as Elgin BID who are seeking an urgent meeting with stakeholders, and I plan to speak with the owner of the St Giles’ Centre too. It is vital that all interested parties and agencies work together to keep these big retailers in Elgin and protect jobs.”

Moray West MP Graham Leadbitter said:

“The first priority has to be to ensure no-ones employment is affected by this closure, and that the retailers in the St Giles Centre can find a way to continue operating in the town.

“This is a real blow for Elgin and the wider area, and it will take cross-party efforts at every level of government to find a solution that can create a positive outcome for the town.

“I stand ready to do what I can in my role as the local MP to support the people and businesses affected, and to work with others to find that outcome.”

SNP Councillor for Elgin City North, Jérémie Fernandes said:

"I am deeply concerned about the closure of St Giles Shopping Centre and its devastating impact on the staff who now face losing their jobs.

"There is also a significant risk that the bus station operating from the centre may need to relocate, potentially disrupting public transport access in Elgin.

"I voted against the Council’s decision to pursue overdue business rates before the Christmas period,  as I believed it would place undue pressure on struggling businesses at a critical time. Unfortunately, this decision seems to have hastened the closure of the centre.

"Our focus now must be on supporting affected staff, businesses, and public services to mitigate the fallout."