Ewing to host series of rural economy summits

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing is to host a series of summits to drive forward the rural economy.

A series of events tailored to industries including forestry, agriculture and other sectors of food and drink will take place over the course of 2106 and early 2017. The first summit takes place on 1 September and will focus on the farmed shellfish industry.

The discussions will bring together industry representatives, recommend action to boost investment and consider how to best protect our interests and relationship with the European Union.

Mr Ewing said:

"I want to drive forward the rural economy and there are a number of sectors which have a crucial role to play in this. That’s why I am hosting a series of summits to bring together key players, identify the barriers to growth and recommend potential actions to increase investment and boost jobs.

"Clearly our place in Europe is a key issue when it comes to our economy and our rural economy in particular. That is why we are working to maintain our relationship with the EU and how we can best protect Scotland’s interests will be an important part of the discussions at each of our summits."