THE FINAL SLAP
Im almost afraid to
admit it, but its more than forty years since I wobbled my way down to the
stables with a bucket of oats on the handlebars of my rickety push bike. (My pony needed feeding before school.) No
doubt these days I would be chastised for no helmet and well, the bucket on the
handlebars would have them flinging the elf and safety mlarky at me. Echoing in my ears as I wobbled my way was
the sound of the mill hooters, signalling clocking-on time for the hordes of
workers responsible for producing garments that were internationally
acclaimed. These workers were the real
people, people who had been born into the life of the woollen mills. Generations earned their money with
pride. Camaraderie was supreme. They worked hard, looked after each other,
took good holidays in distant climes but were always happy to come home. Fathers, mothers, sons and daughters, all
gave their working lives to Pringles.
The people in the
Border town of Hawick are a friendly bunch. They are passionate about their traditions,
their Common riding and their rugby.
But for many the current news that Pringles of Scotland are about to
shut down their operation in the town comes as the final slap in the face. No doubt tongues will wag and heads will be
shaken in disbelief that such an important part of the history of the town is
about to be lost forever. How can this
be allowed to happen? How on earth must
the retired workforce feel?
Hawick people have
always believed in quality. They dont do
el cheapo. Which makes it all the
sadder that the reason for the demise of such a dynasty as Pringles of Scotland
is cheap imports, created through cheap foreign labour.
In recent years many of
these proud workers were forced to queue on the pavement awaiting their
redundancy pay. Queuing like they were
waiting for a fish supper. For some the
ordeal reduced them to tears. Was it
really necessary to inflict such a cruel treatment upon them?
So what now for this
Border town with its beautiful park and recently opened Heritage Centre? How are they going to explain away the
downfall of what must be the most famous name EVER in the knitwear industry? How will the auld faithfuls deal with the
very heart of the industry they made so great being ripped out?
Wouldnt it be nice
if some of the superstars who proudly
flaunt the Pringle banner got together and devised a rescue package to put
Pringle back where it belongs. Yes, I
know Im only dreaming, but in a wee Border town where the rugby players have
the hearts of lions, they all raise the war cry, its not over til its over.
Better still, perhaps
this is all a nightmare and tomorrow I am going to wake up and find that
Pringles is back where it belongs, flying the flag for Scotland and a wee
Scottish Border toon.