This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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STUC Highlands and Islands Conference
29/06/2002
The Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Scottish
Executive and the STUC will deliver real benefits for Scotland.
That was the message from Deputy Minister for Enterprise,
Transport and Lifelong Learning, Lewis Macdonald, when he
addressed the annual STUC Highlands and Islands conference in
Inverness today.
The Minister said:
"The Memorandum sets out how we will work together towards
common aims and outcomes to deliver for the people of Scotland.
It is central to our determination to work together to respond
to the challenges that Scotland faces.
Mr Macdonald was speaking about employment and the economy
with a particular focus on the Highlands and Islands. He
said:
"I believe future prospects for the Highlands and Islands
are very optimistic. The quality of life and the quality of
opportunity you have are much envied as is clearly seen by
population growth of around 20% and the number of those in work
increasing by nearly 50% over the last 30 years.
"The story behind the steady growth in
population and job creation in the Highlands and Islands is
heartening for remote, rural areas everywhere.
"Steady expansion in locally based activities such as fish
farming and processing, tourism, food and drink processing,
small-scale manufacturing and service provision have
contributed to economic growth in many rural and island
areas.
"And it is important to recognise the remarkable rise in
confidence throughout the Highlands and Islands which pervades
most of our communities. Such a positive perception forms part
of the motivation to drive continued progress.
Speaking on the issue of transport, the Minister
continued:
"Transport and transport infrastructure have a key role to
play in the performance of the Scottish economy and nowhere is
this more evident than in the Highlands and Islands, where
accessibility and journey times are key issues for business and
for individuals.
"The Executive is committed to delivering high quality,
effective, inclusive and modern public transport throughout
Scotland, and much has been achieved since devolution,
especially in rural Scotland.
The Minister concluded:
"The STUC is playing a major part in helping to shape the
future of the Scottish economy. We need to continue to work
together to make the changes which will make the Highlands and
Islands, and indeed Scotland as a whole, a great place to live,
work and build a successful business. Only then can we make
employment opportunity for all Scots a reality for future
generations."
The STUC is a key member of two Minsiterial Task Groups set
up to oversee local economic forum implementation, disseminate
good practice, monitor progress and consider the challenges for
future years.
In August 2000, the Scottish Executive set up the Trade
Union Working Party on Lifelong Learning as a means of
enhancing the involvement of trade unions in the broad lifelong
learning agenda in Scotland.