SNP minister to intervene as Scottish shopping centre confirms closure in 12 days

Elgin’s St Giles Shopping Centre is set to be completely shut down by January 20. 

The shopping centre is currently home to a WH Smith, Waterstones, The Works, Subway, O2, EE, Vodafone, Argos, and Ramsdens, among others.

Business Minister Richard Lochhead, the SNP MSP for Moray, said he would look to urgently meet with the centre’s owner.

“It is unrealistic to give tenants less than two weeks’ notice of closure,” he said. “Businesses can’t be expected to deal with the staffing and stock issues caused by closure in such a short period of time.”

The Northern Scot reported that St Giles Shopping Centre owes as much as £750,000 in unpaid non-domestic rates to Moray Council, over which legal action is being taken.

A letter was sent to retailers in the centre telling them of the need to vacate by January 20, which the Press and Journal reported was signed by David Cameron, the only director of owners St Giles Shopping Centre Holdings Ltd.

“We will not be reopening on January 21 and you may no longer have access to your unit from that date onwards,” Cameron wrote.

Business minister Lochhead said: “The closure of the St Giles’ Centre, just as work gets underway to rejuvenate the town centre, will come as a blow to Elgin.”

He added: “I’ve spoken to Moray Council, as well as Elgin BID who are seeking an urgent meeting with stakeholders, and I plan to speak with the owner of the St Giles Centre too.

“It is vital that all interested parties and agencies work together to keep these big retailers in Elgin and protect jobs.”

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Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey MP Graham Leadbitter said: “The first priority has to be to ensure no-one’s employment is affected by this closure, and that the retailers in the St Giles Centre can find a way to continue operating in the town.

“This is a real blow for Elgin and the wider area, and it will take cross-party efforts at every level of government to find a solution that can create a positive outcome for the town.

“I stand ready to do what I can in my role as the local MP to support the people and businesses affected, and to work with others to find that outcome.”

A Moray Council spokesperson said: “The council is aware there has been a closure notice issued to tenants of the St Giles Centre by its owners and we appreciate this is sad and unsettling news for people employed there.

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“We currently have one vacant property on Elgin High Street available to traders, who are welcome to find out if it’s suitable for them.

“There are also a number of organisations available locally, including Elgin Bid and Skills Development Scotland, to assist with relocation or other employment opportunities should businesses need it.

“Meantime, the council will work with partners to examine options and consider what it can do to assist, balancing the various duties it holds in the situation.”