In a statement issued today Kevin expressed his support for the bid by Sainsbury's to bring 200 new jobs to Montrose.
"I was pleased to attend the promotional and consultation meeting organised on behalf of Sainsbury's at the Old Church Hall Montrose. What particularly impressed me was the clear way in which information on the proposal to develop a new supermarket on the former distillery site on Brechin Road in Montrose was portrayed. It was also very pleasing to see the very strong interest that was being shown by local people in the exhibition."
"Clearly Sainsbury's have responded to local concerns about the need for more car parking spaces and the need to increase tree planting. It is also pleasing to see that provision has been made on the plans for car park spaces for Blue Badge holders who may be wheelchair users, and for wheelchair accessible toilets."
"One of the great pieces of news for the people of Montrose about this proposed development is that it could lead to up to two hundred full and part time jobs being developed for the benefit of local people. I was also interested to see that a policy existed of sourcing key food products such as Beef, Lamb and Pork locally. However the publicity did not specifically mention local Fish and Chicken, so I have asked Sainsbury's for further information on this matter, particularly given the excellent record of the North East in providing Fish from the North Sea."
"Given that this development will clearly not only be of direct benefit to the community but also help build the profits of a successful company I was also interested to seek out more information on how they plan to exercise their responsibilities to the wider community via their Community Social Responsibility policy. I have therefore asked for a copy of this, and will be interested to see how Sainsbury's plan to bring wider benefit to the people of Montrose and District."
"What particularly will be of interest to me will be their commitment to development and training of their workforce, particularly via Apprenticeship schemes which are a key commitment in the recently produced Election Manifesto of the Scottish Labour Party "Fighting for What Really Matters" with an apprenticeship place being offered to every suitably qualified young person. I have therefore asked for more information on their plans to use Apprenticeships, particularly in the priority areas of Food Science and Technology. It is my strong belief that by working on this important need Sainsbury's can be of great benefit to all of the constituency of Angus North and the Mearns. What will be of particular interest will be how they are planning to include People with disabilities in their employment and training plans."
"It is my hope that if elected as the Scottish Labour MSP for Angus North and the Mearns I can work alongside Sainsbury's and other local supermarkets and businesses to ensure the success of the Apprenticeship scheme and other training measures for all of the people of the constituency. Through such work a sustainable future can be secured for all of this beautiful area in which I am proud to live, and will be even prouder to represent if chosen by the local electorate."
