MILL workers in the Scottish Borders are celebrating an inflation-beating pay rise secured by their union, Unite.

About 70 Selkirk-based workers at Lochacarron Mill, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of authentic tartan, will see a pay increase rising to 6.7 per cent.

With RPI inflation running at 3 per cent, this means a real-terms pay boost for dye-house labourers, winding and production operatives, as well as darners, weavers, and tuners at one of the Borders’ few remaining textile mills.

Welcoming the deal in a region otherwise blighted by low pay, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite has successfully negotiated an excellent pay rise for Lochcarron Mill workers. 

“This will see a significant boost to jobs, pay and conditions for workers in the Scottish Borders.”

 Unite industrial officer Pat Egan added: “The Lochcarron Mill workers are highly skilled and they produce unique products for domestic and international markets. 

“It’s a pay rise which is worthy of their talents and Unite is pleased to have secured this deal for them.”