While employees and management tried to come to terms with the devastating loss of jobs — in many cases held since leaving school — there were signs, this week, at least from politicians, that there could be a glimmer of hope for business, if a buyer came forward in the next couple of weeks.

On Monday North East Fife MP Menzies Campbell, MSP Iain Smith and St Andrews-based Conservative MSP Ted Brocklebank, held separate top level talks with Finance Secretary John Swinney.

Speaking after their meeting the Liberal Democrat politicians said: "We had a constructive meeting with the Cabinet Secretary and his officials. We emphasised our belief that everything should be done to try and preserve the business, and in particular that the Scottish government and Scottish Enterprise should use all their contacts to try to identify potential buyers or investors."

Mr Brocklebank said he had been encouraged by the unanimous view of the Minister and the Scottish Enterprise officials that saving paper-making at Guardbridge was their immediate priority.

"However, the Minister stressed that the time frame for action was extremely short due to what appears to have been a precipitate decision to put the company into administration," he warned.

"Mr Swinney stressed that the management of the firm had been working effectively in a difficult situation and that Curtis had been the victim of the current adverse financial conditions rather than any mismanagement."

Mr Brocklebank said he was also pleased the administrators were seeking other developers to take up the planning permission for housing on the mill's ground, previously abandoned by Barratt Homes.

"I made a number of suggestions about other possible developers who had indicated an interest in building projects in North East Fife in recent months.

"The Scottish Enterprise representatives at the meeting undertook to look into these suggestions and to keep the administrators informed of any developments."

"The ministerial team also promised assistance under the government's Partnership Action for Continuing Employment umbrella scheme to provide tailored help to support individuals seeking retraining or to access alternative employment opportunities."

Following a meeting with KPMG director Gary Fraser on Tuesday Sir Menzies and Mr Smith announced there was still a "glimmer of hope" if a buyer can be found in the next few weeks.

They said: " It is important that the window of opportunity is maintained to give any individual or institution the best possible chance to acquire the business. It is clear that time is of the essence in this instance.

"We would very much like to see the mill continue to make paper as the facilities and people are there for it to do so however, if paper making is no longer an option it is important that every step is taken so that job opportunities are created on site."

Mr Brocklebank was due to meet with Mr Fraser yesterday (Thursday).

Meanwhile people in and around St Andrews will be made aware of the impact of the Curtis closure tomorrow (Saturday) when around 300 people are expected to march in St Andrews.

Police have been made aware of the 'peaceful protest' of workers and those who have already been made redundant who will gather at the West Sands car park at 11.30 a.m.

They will walk from there up The Scores to Madras College in South Street where they are expected to be addressed by the local MP Sir Menzies Campbell and MSPs at 12.30 p.m.

Former managing director at Curtis, Keith Chapman, is expected to welcome those attending before leading the march.

Superintendent Martin Birrell said: "We are currently in discussion with various partners regarding the march. I am fully aware of the understandable anxiety any job losses will bring locally however I have some concerns at the implications given the very short notice."