Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
Scottish Government Ministers today convened a second stakeholder meeting in relation to the future of Young's Seafood’s plans for their Fraserburgh and Grantown-on-Spey sites.
The meeting, involving government officials, the company, trade union representatives and local politicians, came on the same day as an apparent funding offer to Young's by the local council in Grimsby. However, serious concerns have been voiced that the funding package on offer in Grimsby would be a breach of EU State Aid rules, which regulate how much direct funding can be provided to private enterprises.
MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast, Stewart Stevenson, sought a commitment from Scottish Ministers that an apparent difference in legal interpretations in England and Scotland would not disadvantage Fraserburgh.
Scottish Minister Fergus Ewing confirmed that his officials would continue to work to protect Fraserburgh's interests and make a compelling case for continued employment at the Young’s site in the town.
Speaking after the meeting, Stewart Stevenson said:
"This is an important commitment from the Scottish Government that, despite a dubious offer of funding from Grimsby council, work will continue to ensure that the strongest possible case is made for continued employment in Fraserburgh.”
"This is a deeply worrying time for all who work locally for Young's and we need uniformity in the application of EU rules. It would not be beneficial to the company if they found themselves in breach of state aid rules."
"This is a deeply worrying time for all who work locally for Young's and we need uniformity in the application of EU rules. It would not be beneficial to the company if they found themselves in breach of state aid rules."
Speaking of the progress made, Stewart Stevenson added:
"I was pleased to hear that the work undertaken by the Scottish Government in the last few weeks has identified savings which could exceed a million pounds at Fraserburgh.
"This is the real and practical assistance which can make the difference to a company like Young's decision-making. I am grateful for the efforts of all who have been involved so far."
"This is the real and practical assistance which can make the difference to a company like Young's decision-making. I am grateful for the efforts of all who have been involved so far."
