First Minister to visit Shetland for Highlands and Islands economic meeting

First Minister John Swinney is to attend a meeting in Shetland on Monday which aims to help drive economic growth and address key regional issues in the Highlands and Islands.

Chaired by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, the Convention of the Highlands and Islands brings together the Scottish Government, local authorities and public bodies.

It is being held in the UK’s most northerly cinema and arts centre, Mareel, in Lerwick.

Mr Swinney, who chaired the summit for many years, will announce support for the marine economy and islands projects in a bid to deliver the Scottish Government’s priorities across the region, including the environment and improving public services.

He pledged to listen to the “unique challenges” faced by islanders and to help them capitalise on “skills, innovation and natural assets”.

Housing minister Paul McLennan will join Ms Forbes and Mr Swinney as they visit the Staneyhill housing development in Lerwick, which received £19.8 million from the Scottish Government’s housing infrastructure fund and will create more than 300 new homes, primarily affordable housing.

The First Minister will visit Lerwick harbour, fish market and salmon processing facility, and hold a series of meetings with the fishing and aquaculture sectors and the Port Authority.

He will also visit a school with a recipient of the Scottish Government’s islands programme fund.

Mr Swinney said: “Since becoming First Minister, I have been clear the focus will be on ending child poverty, building prosperity, improving public services and protecting the planet. To realise these ambitions, we have to work in partnership and across boundaries.

“People and businesses across the Highlands and Islands face some unique challenges, but also have the potential and ambition to capitalise on the skills, innovation and natural assets held in abundance right across the region.

“Having previously chaired the convention for many years, I understand its value and look forward to continuing to work closely with our economic agencies, local authorities and communities to ensure we solve problems, and deliver solutions, together.”