Commenting on the news that a rescue deal has been announced for Edinburgh Woollen Mill, potentially saving thousands of jobs nationally, South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth said: “This is a positive development for the workforce across Scotland but on a local level alone, there are hundreds employed by the company who will extremely relieved to hear if a deal is finalised that saves Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Ponden Homes and Bonmarché.

“This is a brand fundamentally linked to Langholm and the borders, and even though the company’s headquarters moved to Carlisle, a lot of people from the area still make up the 200-strong workforce in the city.

“This is a very difficult time for many businesses, but I am urging the Scottish and UK Governments, local councils and Enterprise Agencies to provide all the support they can over the coming weeks and months to ensure our high street can survive the Covid-19 crisis and to keep jobs in our area.”