Published: Thursday, 5th November, 2009 11:30am

Multi-Million Cash Boost for Prestwick Saves Jobs

by Roisin McGroarty

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Money for Slingsby and Spirit means 486 positions safe and 45 new ones

HUNDREDS of jobs have been safeguarded and created in Prestwick after a multi-million pound boost.

Investment projects by Prestwick based Aerospace firms Slingsby and Spirit, along with Irvine's GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), have been awarded £9.8million aimed at safeguarding 486 jobs and creating 45 new posts.

The Regional Selective Assistance grants will also see a £54million of investment into the Ayrshire economy.

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond broke the news last week while meeting with owners of the Prestwick businesses.

Mr Salmond said: "The Scottish Government recognises the real challenges that individuals, families and businesses face in the current economic climate and that is why we are working hard to strengthen the economy and to increase employment opportunities.

"We are using every tool at our disposal to stimulate Scotland's economy, including nearly £10million in various forms of government support to help secure and create 531 jobs in Ayrshire and to attract £54million of private investment to the area."

Full story in this week's paper, on sale now.