Prime Minister visits Ayr marking one year until we leave the EU

The Prime Minister has visited Ayr as part of a one day tour of the UK marking one year until we leave the EU.

Theresa May met staff at Begg and Co, a textiles factory which has been in the town for more than 100 years.

The PM has been using her visits to listen to the priorities of different sectors and communities, as well as set out her resolve to strengthening the bonds of the four nations during Brexit.

Ian Laird Managing Director for the Alex Begg factory, said:

“We are delighted that the Prime Minister has taken the time to visit our business which has 150 years of heritage of designing and manufacturing luxury scarves and throws in the West coast of Scotland. Much of our recent sales growth and corresponding increase in employment has been achieved in export markets and we welcomed discussing the importance of trading terms both within the EU and beyond

Her tour came as the UK government announced it would formally begin talks with local partners for the Ayrshire Growth Deal which promises to significantly boost the region's economy.

Prime Minister Theresa May said: “It is my mission to deliver a Brexit deal that works for Scotland and the whole of the UK, and today I’ve been speaking to workers here in Ayr about what our departure from the EU means to them.

“I am determined that the Brexit we pursue is one that strengthens the bonds that unite us - because I believe ours is the world’s most successful union. Scotland - with its diverse sectors ranging from wool, salmon and whisky production, to world-leading universities, tech hubs and cultural institutions - is such a significant contributor to our United Kingdom. I want to see it prosper as we forge a new role for ourselves in the world.

“That’s why we’re continuing to back Scotland and I am pleased today to announce we are opening talks over a new Ayrshire Growth Deal that should significantly boost the local economy and opportunities for people here.”