16 May 2018

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon addressed the 20th National Economic Forum in Dumfries on the theme of ‘driving forward the rural economy’.

FM @NicolaSturgeon adressed the 20th National Economic Forum in Dumfries and highlighted @scotgov's support for the rural economy: https://t.co/YZ44PBObrP #scotNEF2018 pic.twitter.com/3pGql7w7C5

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) May 16, 2018

The First Minister said:

In many of the sectors that our economic future depends, rural communities make a massive contribution. So ensuring rural Scotland thrives is a fundamental part of ensuring our economy thrives.

“Scotland – including rural Scotland – has huge economic strengths and potential. Brexit makes it more important than ever that we build on those, which is why we must ensure the specific consequences of Brexit for rural communities are identified and addressed.

“By investing in innovation and infrastructure and providing the right support for business we can help rural Scotland to build on its strengths, overcome challenges such as Brexit and seize new opportunities.

“The importance of recognising rural needs is also why we are establishing a new south of Scotland Enterprise Agency. And ahead of it being establishing, we have set up the South of Scotland Economic Partnership, backed by £10 million of additional funding.

“All of these steps will support the rural economy, and in turn drive Scotland forward.”

The First Minister also announced the Scottish Rural Parliament will meet in Stranraer this year.

Here is what @NicolaSturgeon has to say about #SRA18 coming to Stranraer. pic.twitter.com/kBKuKsdvUq

— Scottish Rural Action (@ScotRuralAction) May 16, 2018

The First Minister’s full speech is available online.