WHISKY firm Chivas is being urged to hand over its Paisley site to the people of Renfrewshire once it closes down in 2019 and expands its operation in Dumbarton.

The drinks company delivered a major blow to Paisely late last year when it announced it is to transfer workers from the Renfrew Road plant to a new factory in Dumbarton.

The community in Dumbarton, however, has welcomed the £40m investment in the area. 

As well as concerns over jobs being lost in Paisley, there are fears that the sprawling site will be left vacant once the transfer has been completed in two years' time.

That has prompted Renfrewshire North and West MSP Derek Mackay to call on Chivas chiefs to transfer the land to the people of Paisley.

Mr Mackay will meet with Chivas management and key stakeholders tomorrow as constituency MSP to discuss the planned closure and the impact it will have on the area.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mr Mackay said: “The Chivas site at Renfrew Road has been a part of the Renfrewshire economy for decades, with the iconic main building a real local landmark, so it will be disappointing to see the facility close.

“The Scottish Government is committed to working with Chivas and Renfrewshire Council to do what we can to minimise the impact to the local economy.

“In the meantime, whilst assurances have been given on jobs being transferred, it would be a good and fitting act for Chivas to commit to transferring the land to the local community in Paisley.

“This would allow the local community to decide what they want to do with the land and how best to utilise it for the people of Paisley and wider Renfrewshire.

“As Minister for Local Government, I progressed the Community Empowerment Act to help empower communities through ownership or control of land and buildings. By transferring the land back to the community, Chivas would be doing just that and helping to strengthen the voices in decisions about their local community.

"The last thing we want is a redundant site, when it could be put to effective economic and community use.

"I look forward to constructive talks and have worked closely with my ministerial colleagues on responding to the Chivas decision.”

Around 450 workers are employed at the Paisley site, which is being closed by Chivas as part of a £40 million restructuring plan.

Chivas bosses insist they have “engaged closely” with staff over the move to Dumbarton.