The arrival of the Scottish Parliament heralded a new opportunity for all of us to focus with a renewed sense of optimism on the needs and issues which matter most to all Scots, and to create a modern Scotland which is successful and dynamic.
The Scottish Executive embraced this new mood, and set out to introduce policies and programmes which would create a better Scotland for all Scots. In Partnership for Scotland, we made a pledge to "work to support and enhance rural life, rural communities and the rural economy". In doing so, we were acknowledging that rural Scotland is an important and integral part of Scotland, accounting for nearly 90% of our land, and 30% of our people. It makes an important contribution to Scotland's economic prosperity, with 27% of employment being in rural areas.
We are determined to reflect that reality in the Executive's work. Rural Scotland has sometimes been damaged in the past from being viewed through urban eyes. We are taking a new approach, valuing rural Scotland, utilising its distinctiveness as an asset, and working together with the rural community throughout Scotland to deliver policies and programmes to equip rural Scotland for the challenges of the modern economy.
We signalled our new approach by appointing the first ever Cabinet Minister for Rural Affairs, Ross Finnie MSP, and bringing together a Ministerial Committee on Rural Development which includes Ministers with responsibility for all sectors and services across the Executive. This approach has developed many new policies - for example, in housing, in transport, in health - designed specifically to meet the needs of rural communities.
This document is the next stage in that process. It sets out, for the first time, a vision of the rural Scotland we want to see, drawing together the wide range of activity which is now taking place on rural issues. It shows we are looking at the rural agenda afresh, identifying priorities and issues, and developing policies which are appropriate for rural areas. But let no-one be mistaken. This document is the beginning, not the end. It demonstrates our successes but also shows where we want to do more. I welcome that and I invite everyone who cares about rural Scotland to work with us to make our vision a reality.
signature
Donald Dewar msp