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Convention of Highlands and Islands
03/03/2008
Scotland's Highlands and Islands are vital to the Government's aim to increase sustainable economic growth, First Minister Alex Salmond said today as he moved to strengthen the region's representation on the National Economic Forum.
The First Minister was speaking at the Convention in Shetland where he also undertook a number of visits on the island as well as chairing the afternoon meeting of the Convention.
Two new representatives nominated by the Convention of Highlands and Islands will join the next meeting of the National Economic Forum to ensure the voice of the Highlands and Islands is heard as the government continues its drive to make Scotland a more competitive place to do business.
Mr Salmond said:
"The Highlands and Islands have a vast amount to offer as a place to do business. The quality of life, the quality of the workforce and the quality of the area as a tourist destination are second to none.
"There is no doubt that the whole of the Highlands and Islands have a crucial role to play if we are to achieve my government's goal of increased sustainable growth. Already, we have reformed and refocused Highlands and Islands Enterprise, we are delivering the Small Business Bonus to cut or eliminate business rates for small businesses, and we are supporting the local authorities to freeze council tax levels.
"However, we must do more if we are to match the UK growth rate by 2011, and in the longer term join the arc of prosperity which surrounds Scotland's shores. We must ensure we are drawing on the full strengths of all parts of Scotland. The Government's Economic Strategy - which unites the whole of the public sector behind our goals - makes that clear.
"The Convention of the Highlands and Islands provides vital engagement between the government and representatives from across the region. But we believe it can make an even greater contribution to economic policy for the whole of Scotland.
"That is why today I have asked the Convention to nominate two representatives to take up places on the National Economic Forum.
"This will give the Highlands and Islands a clear channel through which to raise issues of importance that the diverse communities of the region face. And it will ensure that the Highlands and Islands are given the fullest possible consideration as we plan Scotland's future economic prosperity."
Also attending the CoHI were Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth John Swinney and Enterprise, Energy and Tourism Minister Jim Mather. Items set to be discussed included renewable energy, community planning and tourism.
Tomorrow marks the start of the Scottish Tourist Forum's Tourism Week, and the Cabinet Secretary said it was particularly appropriate that he should be discussing this topic while he is in Shetland.
Mr Swinney said:
"We have always made clear that tourism is central to our aim of increased sustainable economic growth. So it is particularly appropriate that the topic should be on the agenda at the Convention of Highlands and Islands with Tourism Week due to begin tomorrow.
"Tourism is one of Scotland's strongest assets and the Highlands and Islands is a major reason why. The dramatic scenery, the warm welcome and the many activities on offer attract tourists from across the world year after year.
"We are already engaging with the industry across Scotland. I look forward to hearing how the government can help the tourism industry in Shetland - and across the Highlands and Islands - to work towards the shared ambition to grow tourism revenues and cement the country's well-deserved position as one of the world's foremost tourist destinations."
The Government is working to support the tourism industry in working towards its ambition to increase tourism revenues by 50 per cent in the decade to 2015.
The Scottish Tourist Forum initiated tourism week in 2006 and will oversee this years events. This year's programme includes over fifteen events across Scotland. Ministers will attend events as part of the week.