Kennedy welcomes Euro boost for Highlands
A ROSS MP has welcomed the news that the whole of the Highlands have been included in a map for European assistance.
The UK Government has announced that the entire Highland region has been granted Assisted Area status on the European assistance map.
The map is part of a European Union scheme that means Highland businesses will be eligible to apply for extra funding and tax breaks to create new jobs and invest in new equipment or premises.
Eligible areas were selected based on their economic need and economic opportunity and places with the potential for business growth were favoured.
The UK government’s assisted areas map is still subject to European Commission approval and is expected to take effect on July 1.
Welcoming the announcement, Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP Charles Kennedy, said: "I’m delighted the Highlands have been included on the E U Assisted Areas Map. This will allow local businesses to bid for funding to help create jobs and promote investment, providing a much needed boost to the local economy.
"We can only begin to rebalance the UK economy by nurturing local business so this is another promising step in the right direction. The economy of the Highlands now has the potential to reach new heights."
