Argyll business brains came together with public bodies and Scottish and UK Government today to look at securing the area’s future economic welfare.
Secretary of State for Scotland Alistair Carmichael and the Scottish Government’s cabinet secretary for infrastructure and economic growth John Swinney were keynote speakers.
The Argyll and Bute Economic Summit held in Dunoon was organised by Argyll and Bute Council to look at ways to grow the population and secure economic growth.
Mr Carmichael, originally from the Argyll island of Islay, said: “Yes it is great to have opportunities through the University of the Highlands and Islands if that is what people want.
“There should be no constrictions on the ambitions of young people. If they are good enough to compete for places at Glasgow and Edinburgh Universities or even Harvard, we should encourage their ambitions and give them something to come back to.
“It is not governments that create jobs it is businesses. There is a tendency to over-regulate and we are always mindful. We want business to tell us what you want us to do, or stop doing.
“We can use the machinery of government to provide opportunities for business. If you get the transport infrastructure right in any island or rural community, just about everything else falls into place. It is quicker to get from Glasgow to London than it is to get from Glasgow to Oban.
“Do what you do today, have some definite products from it, be strategic, and come and talk to us, because I want to hear from you.”
Discussing the next steps, Ellen Morton, deputy leader of Argyll and Bute Council, launched the Argyll and Bute Sustainable Economic Forum.
Councillor Morton said: “Every one of us here has an important contribution to make.
“The forum will shape the vision for the future of Argyll and Bute and all partners will sign up to a charter that commits them to achieving that vision. It will identify what actions will achieve sustainable economic growth.
“Consisting of representatives from the Scottish Government, the council, police, fire, health, enterprise agencies, the private sector, academia and the voluntary sector the forum will ensure better alignment between the public, private and voluntary sectors, working in partnership to grow our economy.”