South Scotland MSP Brian Whittle is backing Ayrshire’s future as a hub for Aerospace in Scotland. The MSP made the commitment in response to a letter from the leaders of East Ayrshire Council’s SNP, Labour and Conservative groups that highlighted the importance of the sector to Ayrshire’s economy.
In his letter to the Councillors, Brian stressed the importance of good transport links and infrastructure to the sector and argued that improved road and rail links could not only benefit the aerospace hub around Prestwick airport, but Ayrshire more widely.
Scottish Conservative MSP Brian has previously written to the Scottish and UK Government’s about the opportunities for Ayrshire’s engineering businesses to grow if they’re given the right support through the Ayrshire Growth Deal and other initiatives.
He also emphasised the strength of Ayrshire’s education and training facilities, singling out the University of the West of Scotland and Ayrshire College, saying that they would become even more important in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“Ayrshire’s aerospace industry delivers jobs and economic activity across the area but like so many other sectors of the economy, it’s been badly affected by coronavirus.
While restrictions on air travel have eased a bit, it’s obvious there are going to be long term implications for the industry.
There are already numerous businesses across Ayrshire working in manufacturing and engineering that, with the right support, can grow and thrive.
With the right investments in infrastructure and training across Ayrshire, we have the potential to create a real hub for aerospace here. That’s why I’m so keen to see the Ayrshire Growth Deal delivered and get key routes like the A77 and Bellfield interchange upgraded.”
Photo-Brian Whittle on a visit to Collins Aerospace (pre-coronavirus)
