South Scotland MSP and Scottish Labour’s Spokesperson for Economic Development and Rural Affairs Colin Smyth has welcomed news of a jobs boost for Stranraer.

Ascensos, which is headquartered in Motherwell and currently employs 3,000 people across its network of offices in the Isle of Wight, Glasgow, Bucharest and Istanbul, is launching a Stranraer hub as part of Ascensos Local; a new community-focused arm of the business. 

The investment will see 100 jobs created in the local area over the next three months. 

Colin Smyth said: “This is a welcome boost for the region, in particular Wigtownshire, at a time when our local economy faces enormous challenges, most of which predate the pandemic.

“Too often businesses shy away from establishing bases out with the comfort zone of the central belt, so it’s great to see a vote of confidence in Stranraer from Ascensos.

“It sends a signal to other firms that with new technology there are no barriers to creating jobs in communities in rural areas such as ours and I’d urge others to follow in the footsteps of Ascensos and take a look at our region when it comes to future expansion of their business.

“One of the biggest challenges we face in the Stranraer area is the fact that young people leave to pursue employment opportunities elsewhere.

“We really do need to stop that drain of talent from the region and I hope this jobs boost can play a small part in that goal.

“I am looking forward to meeting the firm to discuss their plans but in the meantime, I’d urge anyone locally interested in these jobs to get in touch with the firm.”