Amazon to create 950 jobs

Online retailer Amazon is to create almost 1,000 jobs at a new flagship distribution site in Scotland.

The leading internet company will establish 950 full-time jobs at two towns, including an extra 1,500 temporary posts during peak periods.

The firm's new centre at Dunfermline, Fife, creates more than 750 jobs and transfers its entire permanent workforce from the current site at nearby Glenrothes.

An extra 200 jobs will be created at Amazon's site in Gourock, which packs and ships items for customers.

The move will be helped by £2.5 million in grants from economic agency Scottish Enterprise.

Allan Lyall, vice president of European operations at Amazon, said: "Amazon is delighted that its biggest UK fulfilment centre is to be built in Dunfermline.

"It is a great location and it has been Amazon's priority to secure a new site as close to the current Glenrothes fulfilment centre as possible in order to preserve and transfer the entire skilled workforce with all its experience and Amazon knowledge.

"Our decision to base this major expansion in Scotland, against stiff international competition, is due not only to the excellent local workforce but to the impressive professionalism of Scottish Development International."

The move was hailed as a "welcome boost" by Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond.

He said: "Amazon has established itself as one of the world's leading online retailers and I am delighted with its decision to expand its Scottish operations and to create 950 jobs.

"The Scottish Government, Scottish Development International and Scottish Enterprise is doing all it can to attract new jobs and investment to Scotland.

"Amazon's plan to create a purpose-built Fulfilment Centre in Dunfermline will create over 750 jobs and deliver a very significant boost to the local economy.

"I also welcome Amazon's plans to build on their success in Gourock and to create 200 new posts.

"The company's announcement of new investment in Scotland is a strong reflection on the success of its current operations and the skills of the local workforce. These new jobs are a welcome boost to the economy and a demonstration of Amazon's commitment to doing business in Scotland."

Mr Salmond joined the Amazon executive at an event in Edinburgh Castle to announce details of the investment.

The SNP leader announced the jobs earlier during questions at the Scottish Parliament.

The firm's UK operation, established in 1998, offers a wider range of products including books and music. Amazon already employs hundreds of staff at centres in Gourock and in Fife, at Glenrothes and South Queensferry.

The new centre will be built on a 39-acre site at Calais Muir South in Dunfermline, on land previously owned by Scottish Enterprise and Fife Council. The one million square feet of space should be open for business by the end of the year, the Scottish Government said.

Lena Wilson, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, said: "Our support for the project is expected to significantly increase private sector investment and create almost a thousand new jobs for Scotland.

"We'll also be continuing to work closely with the company to look at how we can continue to support them and ensure these sites remain integral to Amazon's UK and European operations."

Anne MacColl, chief executive of Scottish Development International, said: "This announcement is great news for Scotland and demonstrates once again that Scotland continues to be an attractive location for international companies to invest."