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Global climate emergency and repopulation on the agenda.

Scottish Ministers are gathering in Inverness for a special convention to discuss how to tackle issues affecting the Highlands and Islands.  

Climate change and population growth will be among the main topics of discussion at the Convention of Highlands and Islands, along with economic opportunities related to energy, marine and technologies, and the expected impact of Brexit on rural communities.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney will chair the convention which brings together council representatives, enterprise agencies and public sector organisations.

He will be joined by Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing, External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop, Islands Minister Paul Wheelhouse and Digital Economy Minister Kate Forbes.

Speaking ahead of the convention, Mr Swinney yesterday said:

“Input from local authorities and stakeholders is essential when planning for long-term challenges such as population and demography and the global climate emergency. The best way to find shared solutions and to create opportunity from these challenges for the Highlands and Islands is by working together.

“The Convention provides an important platform to strengthen the relationships between national and local government, exchange ideas on the issues that impact communities in the Highlands and Islands, and work together to create sustainable economic growth in the region.

“Ministers will take the opportunity to update members on the transformative digital projects that are underway and to visit organisations and businesses to hear their Brexit concerns first-hand.”

Background

Ministers will be undertaking the following visits whilst in Inverness. Media calling notices will be issued.

Fergus Ewing visits Swansons Food Wholesaler to hear about impact of Brexit on that sector (13:45)

Kate Forbes visits Solasta House, Inverness Campus to hear about life sciences funding and Brexit impacts on R&D.