Scottish Land and Estates Highland committee welcomes engagement with cabinet secretary in discussion over rural economy

Scottish Land and Estates (SLE) Highland committee has said saving jobs and businesses must be a shared priority for the rural economy.

This was the message from committee members as they met with Highland MSP and cabinet secretary for finance Kate Forbes.

The meeting was an opportunity for SLE committee members to delve deeper into plans to support the rural economy, and is latest in ongoing discussions between SLE and the government.

At the meeting the Cabinet Secretary fielded a range of questions on topics ranging from Government support for the renewables sector to connectivity.

Gordon Robertson, SLE Highland chairman said: “SLE members in the Highlands employ a large number of people in a variety of sectors. Many of their businesses, such as those supported by tourism have been greatly impacted by the Covid crisis. During the meeting they called for support for the rural sector, to protect jobs and communities.

“We are grateful to the cabinet secretary for coming along in her capacity as both a member of the Government and one of our local MSPs.

He added: “We are heartened by her willingness to engage with us and look forward to continuing to work with her and politicians from all parties to keep jobs in the Highlands.”

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