SNP's Salmond hails former Labour leader John Smith

Published on Tuesday 9 June 2009 21:32

FIRST Minister Alex Salmond has opened a business park dedicated to former Labour leader John Smith – in Prime Minister Gordon Brown's backyard.

Up to 4,000 jobs are expected to be created at the 17.5 million development in Kirkcaldy over the next 15 to 20 years.

At the ceremony yesterday, Mr Salmond said: "John Smith made an outstanding contribution to the political and cultural life of Scotland. Today we have an opportunity to make sure he continues to be a part of Scotland's development, by dedicating this commercial centre to him."

A leading customer service company, MGt, has already snapped up two buildings to accommodate 1,000 staff.

"With Scotland now officially in recession, the Scottish Government has already taken decisive action to support jobs and help businesses," Mr Salmond said. "The John Smith Business Park will support that action by providing the space and the facilities for the growth and expansion we are working to encourage."

Mr Brown represents the Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath constituency at Westminster.