Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has expressed his concern for the fate of staff at doomed electrical retailer Comet.
Comet operates four branches within Mid-Scotland and Fife in Perth, Stirling, Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline.
The news is another indicator of slowing consumer spending and the growing power of online retailers.
Convenor of the Scottish Parliament Energy, Economy and Tourism Committee Murdo Fraser MSP said;
“This is further bad news for the high streets of Mid-Scotland and Fife. Although it is unknown whether any branches will be saved, there will almost certainly be closures and redundancies.
“We must ensure that we offer high street retailers the right incentives to stay open. Expensive business rates are hurting an already struggling sector.
“In the run up to Christmas this news is heart-breaking for the staff employed in Mid-Scotland and Fife’s four branches.
“In recent years the closure of prominent high street retailers such as Woolworths and JJB, has placed increased strain on the welfare system. Retraining has proved to be fruitful in rejuvenating the ‘rust belt’ in America, perhaps a similar system could be employed in these areas.”
“A recent report showed that Dunfermline high street was in the top five for empty shops in Scotland, with 20% of retail space lying empty. The potential closure of Comet in Dunfermline will exacerbate this figure. Council’s need to be innovative in attracting shoppers, free parking in city centres as promoted by Perth and Kinross’s Conservative councillors could be the answer.”