Ex-Rangers Owner Sir David Murray In Talks Over Steel Plants
Former Rangers owner Sir David Murray has been in talks over the future of two closure-threatened steel plants in Scotland.
The businessman confirmed the site at Dalzell in Motherwell is one of his main suppliers, prompting an "obvious concern''.
Steel firm Tata announced the mothballing of its operations at the plant last month and at its other site in Clydebridge, Cambuslang, with the loss of 270 jobs.
A further 900 workers at the Tata steel plant in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire also face redundancy.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon promised to do everything in her power to secure the future of the industry in Scotland and set up a taskforce with the priority of finding a new commercial operator for the two plants and support workers facing redundancy.
The group, which has already met, is comprised of representatives from Tata, South and North Lanarkshire councils, trade unions, Scottish Enterprise, elected representatives and industry bodies.
In a statement released today, Sir David said he wanted to clarify his position after reports emerged regarding his "possible future involvement'' in the two plants.
"Having been involved in the industry for more than 40 years - and the plant at Dalzell is one of my main suppliers - it is obvious that I would beconcerned, as both a customer and as an employer, over what I could do to assist in helping to preserve such iconic brands,'' he said.
"Four weeks ago I spoke to Scottish Government ministers. Meetings followed and further discussions have since taken place.
"I also met officials from Tata Steel in London, on Tuesday, November 3.
"I will continue dialogue and to assist where practical, however, no one should underestimate the gravity of the difficult challenges that lie ahead.''
A Scottish Government spokesman said any talks by interested parties must be held in "commercial confidence''.
Sir David's comments come the day after hundreds of steel workers and supporters staged a march from Dalzell to the site of the former Ravenscraig steel works calling for action to save the threatened plants and jobs.
At its peak, steelmaking employed more than 10,000 people in plants and surrounding businesses in central Scotland, with the famous Ravenscraig site once the biggest producer of hot-strip steel in Europe.