Boat of Garten plays host to Minister's summit
BOAT of Garten Community Hall is playing host to a summit on the region's economy and tourism amongst other things today.
The Convention of the Highlands and islands meeting is being chaired by Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth John Swinney.
Scottish Government Ministers have joined representatives of local authorities, public bodies and economic development agencies joined Energy, Enterprise and Tourism Minister and Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber MSP Fergus Ewing and Learning and Skills Minister Alasdair Allan at the gathering.
Among the issues currently being discussed are the Highlands and Islands economy, tourism and Gaelic.
Speaking ahead of the Convention, Mr Swinney said: "The Highlands and Islands makes a significant contribution to Scotland’s economy and has an important role to play in helping the Scottish Government achieve its purpose of delivering sustainable economic growth.
"The Convention of the Highlands and Island brings together government and representatives of public bodies and agencies to consider future opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the region."
He added: "Among the issues that will be discussed at the Convention is the region’s economy, tourism and Cairngorms National Park, and Gaelic.
"Last month we published the Government Economic Strategy and Spending Review and this meeting of the convention provides a timely opportunity to discuss the significant role that the Highlands and Islands can make in strengthening Scotland’s recovery and future prosperity."
