South Scotland MSP and Scottish Labour Transport Spokesperson Colin Smyth has said that the Scottish Government cannot simply was its hands of Prestwick Airport.

The call comes as the Scottish Government announced on Thursday that they would invite expressions of interest in the sale of the airport.

The Scottish Government bought Prestwick Airport for a £1 in 2013. The sale of the Airport to the Government saved the thousands of jobs both directly and indirectly supported by Prestwick.

Colin Smyth said, “The Scottish Government have been too slow in making the changes needed to turn Prestwick around when they bought it and as a result it’s doubtful they will get back the tens of millions of pounds they have put in”

“However, the Government cannot simply wash its hands of Prestwick.  They have a responsibility to ensure that if a buyer is actually found, any sale must secure the jobs at Prestwick and the many indirect jobs the Airport creates. Anything else would be an economic tsunami for Ayrshire and beyond.”