"We will be working to ensure that regional development continues irrespective of whatever decisions are taken in Brussels. It is very important that we focus that investment in areas that need it most, and of course, the South of Scotland is one of those areas."

Allan Wilson MSP

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE TO FOCUS INVESTMENT IN THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND

Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, Allan Wilson MSP, was in Sanquhar on 10 December 2004 to meet with representatives of the South of Scotland European Partnership and the South of Scotland Alliance to discuss the future of European Structural Funds post 2006.

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland shortly after his meeting the Minister said: “Whatever scenario ultimately unfolds from Europe it won’t mean the death of regional policy. We will be working to ensure the regional development continues irrespective of whatever decisions are taken in Brussels. It is very important that we focus that investment in areas that need it most, and of course, the South of Scotland is one of those areas."

The picture above shows Allan Wilson MSP [second from right] with Donald MacKinnon, Programme Director for the South of Scotland European Partnership and South of Scotland Alliance members Councillors Joan Mitchell, Alasdair Hutton and Robert Higgins.