Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has pledged to explore “any and all viable options” to save jobs at beleaguered Scottish bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis.

The Scottish Government confirmed that it is looking at a rescue package to save up tp 400 jobs, but said details were being kept under wraps due to “commercial sensitivity”, says The National.

The firm has threatened to end its manufacturing operations in Scotland by closing its sites in Larbert and Falkirk and centralising its operations in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. Swinney indicated that a package of new work to keep jobs in Scotland was being explored.

“Scottish Ministers place the utmost importance on the presence of Alexander Dennis in Scotland and the retention of its highly skilled manufacturing workers. The Scottish Government has committed to exploring any and all viable options throughout the consultation period to allow the firm to retain its skilled employees and manufacturing and production facilities,” said Swinney.

“While I cannot provide details due to commercial sensitivity at this time, I hope this update provides the workforce and local community with further assurance that the Scottish Government remains wholly committed to supporting the future of bus manufacturing in Scotland.

“We will undertake this work in tandem with every other short, medium and long-term opportunity we continue to explore in close collaboration with the company, Unite, GMB, Scottish Enterprise, Transport Scotland and the UK Government.”

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes is meeting unions GMB and Unite to discuss the proposal while Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop attends a meeting of the UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel in London, focusing on the future pipeline of zero-emission bus orders.

(Pic: Alexander Dennis/Stagecoach)