THE SCOTTISH Government minister responsible for the economy wants “every possible support” offered to the affected individuals after Stewart Milne Group (SMG) entered administration.
A total of 217 jobs are being lost at the firm, while hundreds of other sub-contractor jobs are at risk after two attempts to buy the company were rejected.
The Westhill-headquarted housebuilders appointed administrators Teneo on Monday.
The firm has started work on a number of projects across the North-east, including Charleston in Aberdeen and Dunnottar Park in Stonehaven.
As well as asking for support for people who are “facing the prospect of losing their livelihoods”, North-east MSP Douglas Lumsden said: “There are also many people who will be waiting and hoping for news about their homes and developments still under construction – some effectively living in the middle of a building site.
“There are many more contractors and apprentices who will be in the supply chain -it will be a grim time of year for many of them,” he added.
Government meets with administrators
Following a meeting with Teneo on Tuesday morning, Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray said he wants “every possible support” offered to people impacted by the collapse of the group.
He said: “The people affected by this announcement are our immediate priority and the Scottish Government is providing support through our initiative for responding to redundancy situations, PACE.”
Teneo said on Monday that “no further construction is being completed, at this time” and those who have reserved a home but are yet to move in will be contacted.
Two offers for the business – including one believed to have come from owner and founder Stewart Milne – were rejected the bank, who later withdrew its funding.
Milne said he was “struggling to accept it, given the profound impact it will have on employees, sub-contractors and customers”.
