Sarah Boyack calls on SNP to aid BlindCraft

LOTHIANS Labour MSP Sarah Boyack has called for Scottish Government support for Edinburgh's BlindCraft factory after ministers admitted Aberdeen's equivalent workshop had received a total funding package of £528,695.

Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing said the cash had been made available to support the start-up costs of Glencraft (Aberdeen) Ltd, a new social enterprise launched in April 2010, following the closure of the former supported workshop in November 2009.

Ms Boyack said: "I am delighted Glencraft received Scottish Government support and have consistently argued we need a national strategy to ensure the survival of supported employment. I am a strong believer in the benefits that such supported workplaces can provide.

However, it is disappointing that similar support has not been provided to BlindCraft. The SNP have failed to support disabled workers in Edinburgh as they did in the north-east. They need to do everything in their power to safeguard BlindCraft and should take a consistent approach on supported workplaces."