This investment is made possible as a result of the £330 million saving on the cost of the Forth Replacement Crossing. It will ensure that families and businesses in rural Scotland are not left behind with fair access to new generation digital connectivity.
Other SNP priorities include job creation through the further expansion of Scotland's food and drink industry - a sector that has seen 30% growth since the SNP took office. The SNP will take forward a policy that is focused on food production and adding value for Scotland's food producers.
In advance of today's launch, Richard Lochhead has been endorsed by the “elder statesman” of Scottish farming, Fife farmer John Cameron. Writing in the Scottish Farmer Mr Cameron said the industry has been “fortunate” to have been represented by Richard Lochhead and that Mr Lochhead has “served the industry well and is worthy of another term in office.”
John Cameron’s endorsement comes after he received assurances from First Minister and SNP leader Alex Salmond that the SNP would continue to give rural affairs the same priority, with Richard Lochhead as Cabinet Secretary, should the party be re-elected on 5 May. Mr Cameron joins Lady Claire MacDonald and Angus McColl, leader of Scotland’s Tenant Farmers Association, in supporting Richard Lochhead as Scotland’s Rural Affairs Secretary.
In the Scottish Farmer John Cameron writes:
“I have already referred to the importance of the calibre of the Minister/Cabinet Secretary appointed to head up Agriculture and I hear the question being asked. 'In the event of another SNP administration will Richard Lochhead be re-appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture?' Trying to take as many ponderables out of the equation as possible I had the opportunity of a conversation with the First Minister, Alex Salmond – at which I asked a direct question regarding Richard Lochhead’s re-appointment to Rural Affairs and Agriculture and I was pleased to receive an assurance from the First Minister in the affirmative. The commitment to rural and agricultural issues from the present administration has been refreshing and heartening and if people so choose at the coming election then we can have Richard Lochhead continue as our Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture. In my opinion the present Minister has served the industry well and is worthy of another term in office. As the old saying goes ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it!’”
Reaffirming the SNP’s commitment to rural affairs SNP leader Alex Salmond said:
"When the SNP was elected in May 2007 we were determined to have an administration that recognised the massive contribution that our farmers and fishermen make to our economic and environmental well being. They deserve a Government that stands up for their interests here in Scotland as well as in Brussels and London. Richard Lochhead has been a powerful advocate for our rural communities throughout his time in Government. Initiatives such as Scotland's first New Entrants Scheme encouraging a new generation of farmers and the Conservation Credits Scheme that has made our fishermen integral to the fisheries decision making process have been ground breaking. However challenges remain and Scotland needs a strong and experienced voice especially with changes due to CAP and long overdue changes to a broken European fisheries policy that will be decided during the next administration."
Mr Salmond added,
"there is a long way to go in this election, but if the SNP is re-elected in May I will certainly maintain a Cabinet Level Secretary responsible for Rural Affairs, and if he is re-elected in Moray then Richard Lochhead will continue in that role. John Cameron, Lady Claire MacDonald and Angus McColl have all made clear to me how much Richard is valued by the industry. Richard has done a great job and with the re-elected SNP Government we are working hard to achieve, he offers the industry the continuity that is needed at a difficult time. The priority is ensuring that Rural Scotland has a strong voice in Government."
