Future of bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis Ltd could have 'profound impact' on West Lothian communities
Gregor Poynton MP has urged the Scottish Government to take immediate action to safeguard the future of bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis Ltd and the livelihoods of its workers.
The Livingston MP has written to Scotland's First Minister John Swinney and Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop.
The move follows the announcement that Alexander Dennis, based in Falkirk, intends to shift manufacturing operations to England—placing hundreds of skilled Scottish jobs at risk.
In recent years, Alexander Dennis Ltd has played a critical role in delivering low and zero-emission buses for public transport networks across the UK.
The company has supplied over 160 vehicles for Greater Manchester's Bee Network, while the Scottish Government has placed an order for 44 buses out of a potential 252 under its own zero-emission bus scheme. The majority have been awarded to manufacturers based outside Scotland.
However, Deputy Fist Minister Kate Forbes confirmed that Alexander Dennis Ltd has received £58 million of Scottish Government subsidies for zero-emissions buses since 2020 under the scheme and its predecessor.
In his letter, Mr Poynton said: 'The potential loss of these highly skilled jobs would have a profound impact on local communities, including many constituents within the Livingston constituency.
'The transport industry is a cornerstone of our economy and an essential service in the daily lives of people across Scotland. Supporting a Scottish-based manufacturer of low-emission and zero-emission buses aligns not only with economic priorities but also with our shared goals around sustainability, skills retention, and fair work.
'Beyond the immediate impact on jobs, we must also consider the wider ramifications for Scotland's industrial future. The loss of another major employer represents a setback for our national economy and undermines the skills and experience we have worked so hard to foster. It is vital that a comprehensive strategy is put in place to support the workforce, safeguard jobs, and prevent further industrial decline.'
The MP emphasised the far-reaching implications of further industrial decline for communities across the central belt.
He added: 'We must act swiftly and decisively to support Alexander Dennis and secure the future of bus manufacturing in Scotland.
'It is astounding that a company so clearly aligned with the Scottish Government's policies on net zero, green jobs, and sustainable transport is not being prioritised in public procurement. Instead, contracts are being awarded to firms based outside of Scotland, risking the future of our own workforce.'
Scotland's Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes responded: 'The absolute focus right now is on supporting Alexander Dennis Ltd its workforce, as well as the families and communities they support. We also recognise the significance of the company within the local economy and across the wider supply chain.
'The Scottish Government has committed to exploring all viable options throughout the consultation period to allow the firm to retain their hard-working employees and manufacturing and production facilities at Falkirk and Larbert.
'We will continue to work in close collaboration with the company, trade unions, Scottish Enterprise, Transport Scotland and the UK Government.
'Since 2020, Alexander Dennis Ltd secured orders for more zero emission buses than any other single manufacturer through the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund and its predecessor the Scottish Ultra Low Emission Bus Scheme. Alexander Dennis Ltd has received £58 million of Scottish Government subsidy for vehicles under these programmes.'
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