Transport Scotland drafted in to help save steel

Transport Scotland is reviewing its projects to see if there are any that would benefit from a Scottish steel supplier as part of attempts to save the industry.

Business minister Fergus Ewing announces move to MSPs. Picture: PA

Business minister Fergus Ewing said the Scottish Government agency responsible for the road and rail network was investigating what action could be taken to help the beleaguered steel sector.

Mr Ewing made the announcement to the Scottish Parliament ahead of the first meeting of the government taskforce set up after steel firm Tata confirmed 270 jobs will go at the its Dalzell and Clydebridge plants in Lanarkshire.

He said all options are being considered as part of efforts to keep the plants up and running, but the “best possible option” was to find a new commercial operator.

He added that Transport Scotland was looking at its order book to see which projects could stimulate the industry.

“We are working very hard with all public procurement bodies in relation to what future projects could benefit from a Scottish steel supplier,” he said. “Transport Scotland are already reviewing what future projects fall into that category.” Last night Labour’s business manager James Kelly demanded details of the work Transport Scotland was undertaking. He said: “We’d expect a detailed briefing by the first meeting of the taskforce by Thursday.”