Edinburgh Woollen Mill sparks concern over reports of English move

An SNP MSP is seeking answers from Edinburgh Woollen Mill after reports it is considering moving its headquarters to England.

Joan McAlpine MSP is fearful the move would mean a loss of jobs. Picture: Jane Barlow

Scotland South MSP, Joan McAlpine said it would be a huge loss for the town off Langholm where the firm was established in 1946.

She has written to chief executive Phillip Day for clarification about reports of a move to Carlisle.

Dumfriesshire Conservative MSP Oliver Mundell said it was not a “done deal” and hoped to keep the firm in Langholm.

“This is a huge blow to the town, coming on the back of the closure of the last mill, Border Fine Arts and the latest announcement that the Eskdale and Liddesdale Advertiser is poised to close unless it finds a buyer,” said Ms McAlpine.

She said there was an onus on local Conservative politicians to put pressure on Mr Day not to “betray their constituents”.