Penicuik has been stunned by the news that the world-renowned Edinburgh Crystal Glass Company is calling in the administrators, raising fears that as many as 120 jobs could go in the town. The prestigious glassware firm, which has been based at Penicuik since 1969, saw Caledonia Investments lead a buy-out in 1990 with the support of the senior management team & Thomas Webb and Sons. Local MSP Christine Grahame has called on Scottish Ministers to despatch an economic task force to Penicuik & has written to the Enterprise Minister warning of the damage that would be caused to the local economy if ministers fail to act. Ms Grahame said: "This is a firm with a long & prestigious legacy & contributes significantly to the local economy. "Penicuik is a town which has seen more than its fair share of economic decline in recent years & this is the very last thing it needs. In the 1990s Edinburgh Crystal invested in improved design, decoration and acid polishing facilities, which led to the introduction of several contemporary designs. The company also sponsored a Masters degree in glass design, which brought new creative talent into the business. Annually, 100,000 people pass through the Penicuik visitor centre to see the beautiful lead crystal being produced.South of Scotland MSP Derek Brownlee said: "It is very disappointing to hear that such a high profile company has gone into administration. This is likely to be a bitter blow, especially for those in Penicuik and the surrounding area. 26 July 2006 www.midlothiantoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=1779&ArticleID=165...
