Second glass company under threat

Caithness Glass is known for its art glass and paperweights

Perth-based company Caithness Glass has gone into administration 10 days after its parent firm suffered the same fate.

More than 60 jobs could go at the firm, which makes and sells paperweights and other glass gifts.

Its owner Edinburgh Crystal called in administrators last month and paid off 270 members of staff.

Administrator Deloitte said that despite its problems, Caithness Glass was still a strong brand. It is hoped to sell it as a going concern.

'Market changes'

Caithness Glass was saved from closure when it was bought by Edinburgh Crystal two years ago, although its factory was closed in the Highland town where it had its roots.

The firm has its head office and manufacturing plant in Perth, as well as a shop. It also has another retail outlet in Kings Lynn.

Administrator Ian Brown, of Deloitte, said that following the insolvency of Edinburgh Crystal, the directors had concluded that they could no longer continue to trade.

He said: "The company has been in financial difficulty for a considerable period of time, due to substantial changes in the market over the past 10 years.

"However, the company, together with its parent, has a strong brand so our strategy is to continue trading the business, review the operation and look to sell it as a going concern."