This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Sustainability key for rural development - Minister
30/10/2006
Support for Scotland's rural economy must have sustainability at its heart, Rural Development Minister Ross Finnie said today.
Speaking at the Convention of the Highlands and Islands in Forres, Ross Finnie said:
"I am committed to extending the priorities that we set out in Rural Scotland: A New Approach. That included offering a high quality of life to all and providing opportunities for our young people.
"We are currently taking stock of our successes and new opportunities: rural Scotland's population is growing and unemployment is low. Critically, I want to see a refreshed and reinvigorated approach which has at its heart the principle of sustainable development.
"Scotland's Rural Development Programme and our recently published Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture will help rural businesses become more market-orientated, respond to changing consumer demand and provide access to sound business advice and information. That is the way forward for rural Scotland."
Choosing our Future sets out the Scottish Executive's sustainable development strategy: how we will achieve development that improves the well-being of Scotland's people, supports thriving communities, protects our natural heritage and resources, and makes Scotland's global contribution. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2005/12/1493902/39032
Rural Scotland: Key Facts 2006 was published by the Executive earlier this month.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/10/18133744/0