14 Feb. 2023: Stoneywood paper mill could be saved after falling into administration last year which saw the loss of over 300 jobs, as a new buyer appears to be interested in the site.

The threatened Aberdeen paper mill could be saved at the 11th hour as it emerged a new buyer may be interested to retain the site as a functioning factory.

Stoneywood paper mill, operated by Arjowiggins, went into administration last year which saw the loss of over 300 jobs.

An offer to take over the site in November was rejected and it has now emerged that a deal with a new bidder could be struck.

Jackie Dunbar, MSP for Aberdeen Donside has written to Ivan McKee, the Scottish Government’s minister for business, trade, tourism and enterprise and submitted a written parliamentary question at the Scottish parliament.

She said: "I understand there will be at least one credible bidder that aims to retain the site as a functioning paper mill. This bid must be taken seriously and give the community a fighting chance to grow the jobs on the site once again.

"I have raised the matter with the Scottish Government, and raised a written question in the Scottish Parliament, as we must ensure no stone is left unturned to keep the site economically active.

"Every effort must be made to ensure the site remains industry – ideally with the site being taken over and continuing as a paper mill – and I am sure the local community would welcome new jobs being created in the area."

Established in 1710 by James Moir, it is the only remaining paper mill on the River Don.
After more than 250 years of business the devastating news that Stoneywood mill fell into administration back in September came as a total blow for many.

It's not the first time that Stoneywood mill has entered into some difficulty as it was previously rescued from closure in 2019, propped up by Scottish Enterprise funding.

Creative Paper Holdings stepped in to rescue the site from closure in September 2019 after its parent company failed to find a buyer the previous January.

There are fears that the historic factory could be 'asset stripped' with major parts taken out by a new buyer - and no paper being made there.

Local ward councillor and Labour group leader Barney Crockett said the news would be met with 'skepticism' and called for more clarity on the potential offer.

He said: “A credible bid to save the jobs and the business at Stoneywood Mill would certainly be welcome, but workers and local people are bound to be deeply sceptical about any claim to bring forward a credible bid at this stage.

“Why would any serious bidders wait until over 320 workers at Stoneywood Mill have been made redundant?

“Why would any serious bidders have kept quiet about their interest until the mill has been in administration for months? Why would they not talk to the trade union, the workforce, the local councillors, the local community or the community council?

“Mill workers are bound to be very concerned about this so-called late bid. Any attempt to strip the mill’s assets and get hold of the land on the cheap should be seen as what it is, and not dressed up as a rescue bid if it is not.

“I call on any local elected representative who is privy to secret information about the future of Stoneywood Mill to come clean, and tell the workforce and the local community what is really going on as a matter of urgency, before raising any more false hopes for my constituents who have lost their jobs.”

The Unite union declined to comment on the speculation.

by Jon Hebditch & Shanay Taylor at AberdeenLive