Jobs threat at Edinburgh Crystal

The company was founded in 1867

More than 400 jobs are in jeopardy at the glassware company Edinburgh Crystal after it suffered substantial losses and failed to find a buyer.

The historic firm has staff at its head office in Penicuik, Midlothian, and at about 90 factory outlets and department stores across the UK.

However, almost all its goods have been produced overseas for some time.

The administrators Deloitte have been called in and hope to sell the business as a going concern.

Founded in 1867, the company established a reputation for fine crystal tableware and gifts.

For two years, the vast majority of its goods have been produced in the Czech Republic to cut costs.

A relatively small proportion are finished off or customised at the company's headquarters in Penicuik, where it employs about 120 staff.

The firm's two subsidiaries, Caithness Glass Company and Selkirk Glass Ltd, are not affected and are expected to continue trading as normal.

Economic decline

Nationalist MSP Christine Grahame said job losses in Penicuik, which has a population of about 18,000, would have a significant impact on the local economy.

"Penicuik is a town which has seen more than its fair share of economic decline in recent years and this is the very last thing it needs," she said.

"I am urging ministers to put in place an economic task force to look specifically at supporting the company during this difficult period."

The MSP for the South of Scotland said she hoped that administrators would look at the business models of Edinburgh Crystal's two subsidiaries, which had managed to diversify and avoid a market decline.