Garston Leather Limited, part of the Scottish Leather Group, have informed their workers of the possibility of closure. The workforce of 50 was told at a meeting on September 6 that because of adverse trading conditions, the company is expected to close on October 7, 2005.

Garston have been losing money for a long period and have relied on Scottish Leather Group support to continue trading. Unfortunately, the group has said it is unable to justify further losses which will escalate following the announcement of the ending of the OTMS.

Garston have been undergoing a period of consultation with all employees to explore ways of avoiding closure and job losses. If this consultation fails to find a positive way forward, then the company will cease operations on October 7, 2005.

For further information, please contact:

Jonathan Muirhead 01505 691701; jonathan.muirhead@scottishleathergroup.com or John Henderson on 01505 691707; john.henderson@scottishleathergroup.com