South of Scotland Region

Joan McAlpine MSP South of Scotland Region

Mr Blair Nimmo Saltire Court 20 Castle Terrace Edinburgh EH1 2EG

Dear Blair

I am writing to you as a South of Scotland MSP with constituents made redundant as a result of the collapse of Scottish Coal. I know that you are in regular contact with both Fergus Ewing and Russel Griggs with regards to the future of the industry and the communities in my constituency which depend on it.

Like the minister and Professor Griggs I am neutral with regards to the individual bids that you will have to consider. I do however agree that the successful bid should be a well capitalised one, with resources to invest for the future which will not result in a break-up of the company. The industry and its workforce deserve nothing less.

The one bidder who has approached me for support so far is the consortium lead by William Wishart. Given the backing they have received from Zamin, the world’s 5th largest mining company, they are clearly well capitalised and it goes without saying they have the expertise required to tackle the difficult challenges faced by the coal industry at the moment. They seem to combine local knowledge with global clout. Mr Wishart has told me his consortium is focussed on keeping the company together and resuming production as quickly as possible, which is commendable.

Room M3.10, The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP. Tel: 0131 348 6885 Constituency Office: Unit 7, High Street, Loreburne Shopping Centre, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Tel: 01387 255334 Email: [email protected] Of course it may well be that other bidders can offer similar assurances. The imperative is to move to a solution as quickly as possible. Further delays, as I am sure you are well aware, could result in the loss of orders, suppliers and the deterioration of plant and machinery.

I appreciate your attention in this matter and trust that you will take community considerations, the future of the industry as a whole and the job prospects of the dedicated and skilled workforce into account in the course of your deliberations.

Yours sincerely

Joan McAlpine MSP South of Scotland Region Tel: 0131 348 6885 01387 255334 Email: [email protected]

Room M3.10, The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP Unit 7 Loreburne Centre, High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2BD

Room M3.10, The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP. Tel: 0131 348 6885 Constituency Office: Unit 7, High Street, Loreburne Shopping Centre, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Tel: 01387 255334 Email: [email protected] Room M3.10, The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP. Tel: 0131 348 6885 Constituency Office: Unit 7, High Street, Loreburne Shopping Centre, Dumfries, DG1 2BD Tel: 01387 255334 Email: [email protected]