Politicians in urgent talks with HarperCollins over Bishopbriggs closure plans

Publisher HarperCollins has been a huge presence in Bishopbriggs for decades and employs almost 500 people locally.

It is the second major firm to pull out of Westerhill. Insurance giant Aviva announced last year that it is to pack up and move out this summer.

HarperCollins staff were given the shock news late last week that the firm is to relocate its permanent base to a purpose-built site at Robroyston in 2025, after apparently being unable to secure a deal with its current landlords.

Strathkelvin and Bearsden MSP Rona Mackay and East Dunbartonshire MP Amy Callaghan met on Friday morning with Harper Collins CEO Charlie Redmayne to urge them to rethink their decision.

Both politicians said the firm had assured them there was no threat to the current workforce as a result of the move.

Ms Mackay said: “Whilst I’m glad Amy and I were able to secure guarantees over the future of the workforce at the site as a result of this move, I would continue to implore Harper Collins into an urgent rethink over their decision.”

HarperCollins told them “all options were explored to remain at the current site.”