The First Minister’s Official Spokesperson (FMOS) welcomed media to the briefing and updated journalists on the days activity:
- First Minister Alex Salmond announces an £18 million marine energy fund to support commercial wave and tidal power arrays.
- Speaking at the Allenergy conference in Aberdeen, the First Minister also announced the first award from the £70 million National Renewables Infrastructure Fund – a £500,000 grant to support the transformation of a strategic dock 10 miles from Glasgow city centre
- Finance Secretary John Swinney and Local Government Minister Derek MacKay are meeting Edinburgh City Council today to ensure continuing good relationships between central and local government. A news release will issue following the meeting from the Finance communication team.
- Secretary for Infrastructure Alex Neil is speaking at a global water scarcity conference hosted in Glasgow.
- Bruce Crawford and Michael Matheson are in London this morning to participate in the Joint Ministerial Committee.
- The stage one debate on welfare reform will take place in the Scottish Parliament later today, lead by the Deputy First Minister. A news release will be issued following the debate.
Asked if there would be a note to summarise the welfare reform proposals, the FMOS said she would ask the health desk to provide.
The FMSA updated journalists that the First Minister is chairing the Scottish Energy Advisory Board today and holding meetings with potential investors.
Asked about why David Scott from Arnold Clark did not turn up to his committee appearance, the FMSA said this was an issue for parliament.
Asked about any Scottish Government involved in the YES Scotland campaign launch this Friday, the FMSA confirmed the First Minister’s attendance and said any other questions should be addressed to the campaign.