Issue - meetings

(i)       notes the announcement on 22 September that Stoneywood Mill has been put into Administration, and that over 300 staff have been made redundant;

(ii)       recalls the actions taken by the City Council working with Scottish Ministers and other partners in 2019, to prevent such an outcome at Stoneywood Mill by supporting a management buy-out;

(iii)      commends the workforce and its trade union Unite for their commitment to the Mill and their continuing efforts to protect jobs and to sustain the dynamism and diversity of the local economy in Aberdeen;

(iv)      recognises in particular the impact on the local communities on Donside, where Stoneywood Mill has been a major employer for over 250 years;

(v)      notes that the initial sale of business deadline passed on October 14 2022 without Interpath Advisory, the Administrators, identifying any deliverable transaction to secure the sale of Stoneywood Mill as an operational facility;

(vi)      notes that Scottish Enterprise has supported the company in the period up to its entering administration in October 2022, including by exploring all options for its continued operation;

(vii)     acknowledges the work by trade unions, Skills Development Scotland and its partners, including Aberdeen City Council and Business Gateway, in delivering the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) response to provide direct and immediate support to help the affected employees access new training and jobs and that this support should continue; and

(viii)    notes the verbal update provided at this meeting by the Chief Officer – City Growth.

The Committee had before it a Notice of Motion by Councillor Macdonald in the following terms:-

“That the Committee:-

(1)    notes the announcement on 22 September that Stoneywood Mill has been put into Administration, and that over 300 staff have been made redundant;

(2)    recalls the actions taken by the City Council working with Scottish Ministers and other partners in 2019, to prevent such an outcome at Stoneywood Mill by supporting a management buy-out;

(3)    commends the workforce and its trade union Unite for their commitment to the Mill and their continuing efforts to protect jobs and to sustain the dynamism and diversity of the local economy in Aberdeen;

(4)    recognises in particular the impact on the local communities on Donside, where Stoneywood Mill has been a major employer for over 250 years; and

(5)    commits to working with Unite, Scottish Ministers and other partners to secure the best possible outcome for the business and its workforce and calls for an urgent report from the Chief Officer - City Growth at the earliest opportunity to outline options available including taking Stoneywood Mill into public ownership.”

Councillor Macdonald moved her motion and explained the rationale behind her request.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)       approve points (1), (2), (3) and (4) above;

(ii)       note that the initial sale of business deadline passed on October 14, 2022, without Interpath Advisory, the Administrators, identifying any deliverable transaction to secure the sale of Stoneywood Mill as an operational facility;

(iii)      note that Scottish Enterprise has supported the company in the period up to its entering administration in October 2022, including by exploring all options for its continued operation;

(iv)      acknowledge the work by trade unions, Skills Development Scotland and its partners, including Aberdeen City Council and Business Gateway, in delivering the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) response to provide direct and immediate support to help the affected employees access new training and jobs and that this support should continue; and

(v)      note the verbal update provided at this meeting by the Chief Officer – City Growth.

to agree that Aberdeen City Council congratulate Aberdeen Mela-One World Day Event team on securing funding to hold a Mela event in Aberdeen this year, including £15,000 from the Council’s Common Good Fund. Melas are traditionally an Asian celebration of culture and community through music, dance, theatre, song and stories as well as food and fashion. As well as forging closer cultural understandings, there are also opportunities to promote stronger community, health and environmental benefits. The Aberdeen Mela will take place on Sunday 21st August 2022 from 12 Noon to 7pm at Westburn Park.

The Committee had before it a Notice of Motion by Councillor Macdonald in the following terms:-

“to agree that Aberdeen City Council congratulate Aberdeen Mela-One World Day Event team on securing funding to hold a Mela event in Aberdeen this year, including £15,000 from the Council’s Common Good Fund. Melas are traditionally an Asian celebration of culture and community through music, dance, theatre, song and stories as well as food and fashion. As well as forging closer cultural understandings, there are also opportunities to promote stronger community, health and environmental benefits. The Aberdeen Mela will take place on Sunday 21st August 2022 from 12 Noon to 7pm at Westburn Park.”

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.