THE prospect of 100 new skilled works jobs near to Glasgow could provide some hope for under-threat staff at a city rail yard.

The Caley rail works site could to close when a 45-day consultation period comes to an end on March 4 with the loss of 120 full time jobs and more agency workers.

Last month The Evening Times backed the efforts to Save the Caley and called on Government, politicians and owners to work together to secure its future.

Workers have been given an alternative lifeline with the announcement of 100 new jobs with Wabtec Rail in Kilmarnock, who have said the roles are perfect for the skilled workers at St Rollox.

READ MORE: Rail firm accused of not bidding for work to shut down the Caley

The Evening Times understands that the roles would run until December with the possibility of further work continuing until at least August 2020.

The nationwide company are said to be increasing their high speed train (HST) production in Ayrshire.

Bosses have encouraged threatened staff at The Caley to apply.

Reports have suggested Wabtec have already held a jobs fair to try and recruit some of the site's workers.

The opportunities have been welcomed by stakeholders in the fight to keep The Caley open, but those involved stressed this would not slow the campaign to save the site.

Unite the Union's Pat McIlvogue said: "The work in Kilmarnock is contracts we asked Gemini to move forward on and this is now a signal that we have to fight.

READ MORE: Historic Springburn Caley rail works can have future too

"We need to get stakeholders to front their positions up and we are open to any and all answers to this end."

"Some of our members have already been offered jobs but they want to see The Caley stay open.

"Ultimately our workers need to do what is best for themselves."

Local politicians have also shared their determination to keep the site open, with two debates scheduled at the Scottish Parliament on the topic later this month.

Springburn MSP Bob Doris said: "It is no surprise that the skilled and dedicated workforce at St Rollox are in demand.

"With the prospect of Gemini closing and redundancies looming the possibility of alternative employment is welcome.

"However the campaign to save The Caley is about both securing employment for the workforce as well as securing a long term future for the industry at St Rollox. That fight continues."

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