Glencraft finances 'very serious'

Mr Salmond visited the factory which employs about 50 staff

First Minister Alex Salmond has described the financial situation for Aberdeen's Glencraft workshop for blind and disabled people as "very serious".

Glencraft - which employs about 50 people, 31 with disabilities - is expected to go into administration on Wednesday.

Mr Salmond spoke to staff, management and Aberdeen City Council officials at a meeting at the factory.

He said every option would be explored for the workers.

Mr Salmond agreed there did not appear to be a viable alternative to an administrator coming in.

Determined mood

He said he did not want to raise false hopes but explained everyone at the meeting was determined to try to help.

Glencraft has been in operation since 1843.

The board said on Friday there was no other option to liquidation, blaming the city council's lack of support.

However the council argued it had tried everything to support the company.

Staff have already been receiving advice from employment experts.