Sweet move creates jobs

Iain Robertson • Published 8 Sep 2010 09:30 0 Comments

THE Clackmannashire economy has been handed a major boost by news that a Tillicoultry confectioner will create at least 23 jobs when its new factory opens in Alva.

Now a household name throughout the UK, Mrs Tilly, which produces traditional Scottish products including tablet, fudge and macaroon, will be able to produce around five million sweets each year at the new premises.

As well as bringing much needed employment opportunities to the Wee County, it is also set to attract tourists as a cafe and shop will be built at the site.

Peter Paterson, founder and managing director of Tilly confectionary, told the Advertiser, “I am delighted it has been given approval. It will be great for us, and the area, as it will bring more tourists to Clackmannanhire.”

There will be a viewing area at the factory, where people can enjoy their very own Willy Wonka experience and watch the tasty treats being made, which should help make it a huge visitor attraction.

Work on the 16,000 sq ft factory will begin in spring next year and it should take about seven to eight months to get it up and running.

There had been suggestions the company might move out of the area but the founder of the much loved company insisted that was never an option for him.

“I am born and bred in the area and didn’t want to move from Clackmannanshire - it was a dream that we’d have something like this,” he said.

Clackmannanshire councillors unanimously backed the plans and said they were excited about its potential to increase visitor numbers to the Wee County.

Alva’s SNP councillor Donald Balsillie added, “It is rare we get applications like this coming forward. This will be good for Alva and the whole of Clackmannanshire.”

Alva Scout group have said they don’t approve of the plans in their current format as they are concerned about access to the scout hall but Peter said he has a good relationship with them and believes an agreement will be reached to suit both parties.

Approval was given to the planned development to the rear of Glentana Mill, West Stirling Street, at last week’s meeting of Clackmannanshire Council’s planning committee.

Clackmannanshire - it was a dream that we’d have something like this,” he said.

Clackmannanshire councillors unanimously backed the plans and said they were excited about its potential to increase visitor numbers to the Wee County.

Alva’s SNP councillor Donald Balsillie added, “It is rare we get applications like this coming forward. This will be good for Alva and the whole of Clackmannanshire.”

Alva Scout Group have said they don’t approve of the plans for the new factory in their current format as they are concerned about access to the scout hall.

However, Peter said he has a good relationship with them and believes an agreement will be reached to suit both parties.

Approval was given to the planned development to the rear of Glentana Mill, West Stirling Street, at last week’s meeting of Clackmannanshire Council’s planning committee.

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