Pringle, for more than a century the town's flagship firm and an integral part of Hawick's business life, will shut down its Glebe Mills manufacturing operation this morning. A real body blow for its loyal and hard-working employees, many of whom have given decades of service to the company.

If there was no demand for the Pringle brand the decision to close the Glebe would have been easier to understand. But is it not the case that chairman Kenneth Fang and his cohorts are simply moving the work elsewhere, where labour costs are far lower and profit margins far higher?

Business is business, Mr Fang would no doubt say in reply. But is it really any way to treat such a dedicated workforce? They deserved better, much better.

In terms of consultation, was there ever any MEANINGFUL dialogue between Glebe management and workers? Or was it not just a case that their fate was set in stone?

So the employees clocking on at the Glebe for the last time this morning do so with heavy hearts. Their futures now shrouded in uncertainty. How will they make ends meet? Will they have to leave Hawick to keep their heads above water? It's a desperately worrying time for all the affected workers and their families.

It's also a time, though, for a redoubling of efforts by our town councillors, and officials with both Scottish Borders Council and Scottish Enterprise. Let's hope they can all move heaven and earth in a collective push to attract and retain employment in Hawick. It won't be easy. But we have to act now.

Looking at the longer term, what steps are we taking to attract foreign investors and to encourage our indigenous firms? Surely we should have generous incentives on the table for companies looking to locate to Hawick? If not, why not?

It seems so many questions hang over what the future holds for Hawick. But spare a thought for the 80 redundant Pringle workers, their need to find answers has never been greater.