Finnie welcomes decision to retain autonomous Highlands & Islands Enterprise
John Finnie MSP, Rural & Island Communities spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (30 March) welcomed Scottish Ministers' decision to retain an autonomous Highlands & Islands Enterprise.
Mr Finnie first raised concerns about plans to centralise control of HIE with the First Minister in September last year.
John said:
"This decision to retain the Board of HIE and its social remit is extremely welcome. I'm pleased that the minister also sees that remit being extended to the new agency for the South of Scotland and is willing to discuss how it can be extended to Scottish Enterprise.
"Throughout this process the main concern has been local decision making. Scottish Ministers have listened, and the focus now must be on supporting our enterprise agencies to deliver social and economic improvements."