Potential interest in Glasgow Prestwick Airport
The government says "other parties" have expressed interest but can't disclose their identities
Other potential bidders have come forward who could purchase Glasgow Prestwick Airport after an expression of interest was received last year, MSPs have been told.
Wellbeing economy secretary Neil Gray said that "commercial sensitivities" meant he could not disclose any details to Holyrood.
Recalling that MSPs had been told in December of "an expression of interest" in the Ayrshire site, the secretary added that "other parties have also approached Glasgow Prestwick.”
That comes despite the airport, which was bought by the Scottish Government in 2013 for just £1, not currently being "actively marketed for sale".
Government will return airport to private sector "at appropriate time"
Earlier, Neil Gray was pressed for any developments by Scottish Conservative MSP Graham Simpson.
The secretary said: "Due to commercial sensitivities Mr Simpson will understand it would not be appropriate to share further details, including the identity of an organisation behind any expression of interest at this time."
But, he pledged to keep Holyrood updated, and that he would liaise with MSPs "as these expressions of interest progress".
Neil Gray reiterated the government's commitment to "return Glasgow Prestwick airport to the private sector at the appropriate time and with the best opportunity".
But he stated: "Any decision to sell must be informed by what is right for the long-term success of the business and the contribution it makes to the local economy.
"The airport is not being actively marketed for sale at present, however, it is understood within the aviation industry that ministers are open to considering credible purchase offers.
"Any potential purchaser must demonstrate how they will maintain Glasgow Prestwick Airport as an operational airport, maximise its economic benefits and employment potential and we must be confident any sale would represent good value for the taxpayer and put the business on a firm footing going forward."