by Maurice Golden MSP

The news that renowned company Watt Brothers had gone into administration was extremely sad and my thoughts are with those employees who lost their jobs, and also their families.

Watt Brothers was an institution in many communities right across Scotland, including right here in Clydebank.

The news means that 22 workers lost their jobs at the store in this town, which was hugely concerning and any job loss for West Dunbartonshire has a significant knock-on effect.

That is why I welcome Clydebank based company, Together Energy, immediately offering a route back into employment for these workers.

CEO Paul Richard’s offer is extremely generous, with his statement outlining the first class service that was offered by the staff at Clydebank’s Watt Brothers and how that will fit in with their growing company.

The urgency of the action means that workers can be on Together Energy’s payroll by the end of the month.

This will ensure that they have the security of wages which seemed so unlikely following the collapse of Watt Brothers.

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This is a perfect example of how a community can come together in order to help each other out in a time of need and I wish those employees all the best going forward.

I was pleased to play a key role in ensuring that the Climate Change Bill which passed through the Scottish Parliament recently had the tough measures needed in order to reduce our emissions.

By supporting targets to reduce emissions by 75 per cent by 2030, the Scottish Conservatives ensured that Scotland has world-leading targets, with an aim to have net zero emissions by 2045.

We must all do our bit to tackle climate change, whether that is making small changes in our lifestyle, or whether in my role as Shadow Environment Secretary, strengthen such an important piece of legislation.

I also supported measures that will make our homes more energy efficient as well as putting forward an amendment on an agricultural modernisation fund which I was pleased to see garner cross-party support, in order to support our farmers transitioning to a low carbon economy.

Nobody believes this will be easy but we have a duty in order to protect our future generations and these changes must happen now.

The support must be given to our local authorities, businesses, industries and other key stakeholders in order to support moves to ensure emissions are reduced year on year.