STUART Bell hopes the site of Caerlee Mills will still be developed, writes Kenny Paterson.
A total of 33 employees lost their jobs on Monday as liquidators KPMG confirmed that no buyer had been found for the Innerleithen firm founded by Tom Harkness in 2010.
Just three members of staff have been retained on a short-term basis to help wind down the business.
Tweeddale councillor Bell said: “There is still a £500,000 grant available from Historic Scotland to restore the former Ballantyne building on the Caerlee site. That may provide development opportunities.”
Caerlee Mills went into provisional liquidation last week, unable to recover from reduced orders from its Italian-based customer Ballantyne.
Tweeddale MP David Mundell was disappointed KPMG had not given more time to their search for a buyer, but added: “The number one priority has got to be getting those who have lost their jobs back into work and politicians at all levels must work together.”