Ex-Curtis Fine Papers employees stage protest march

Ex-employees of Curtis Fine Papers, which went into administration at the end of last month, have marched in protest to save the180 jobs that have been cut at its Guardbridge mill in Scotland.

The march, which was organised by former managing director Keith Chapman with support from UK technical sales director Ken Thom, gathered at West Sands, St Andrews, and walked into the town to hear speeches from local politicians.

Chapman congratulated the workforce for their skills and effort in recent years to turn Curtis into a profit-making business. He said: "Our biggest asset is our loyal and dedicated workforce."

Iain Smith (Liberal Democrat MSP for North East Fife), Ted Brocklebank (Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife) and Claire Baker (Labour MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife) spoke to the gathered crowds and expressed their support.

Unite's regional officer Willie Wallace also attended the speeches and pledged the full support of the union.

Curtis shocked the industry by calling in the administrators on 24 July. The company had returned to profitability but failed after a deal to sell some of its land fell through.

However, it has emerged that as many as eight interested parties are vying to resurrect the business.

Curtis now awaits the outcome of discussions taking place over the next week to see if the 135-year-old fine paper mill can once again supply quality papers into its global market place.