North businesses will be offered a reassurance today that Britain’s decision to leave the European Union will not rock the boat.
UK Government Minister Andrew Dunlop is due to visit Inverness for a series of meetings with entrepreneurs as part of its work to prepare for the forthcoming Brexit negotiations with the EU.
The minister will hear from businesses in and around the Highland capital about their priorities and attempt to assure them that the government will work “in the best interests of all parts of the UK.”
The visit is part of a UK Government commitment to ensure that Scottish interests are fully represented in the negotiations that will follow.
The Westminster Government is adamant that there is a “Team UK” approach, working closely with the Scottish Government to “maximise the opportunities for Scotland.”
Lord Dunlop said: “I am really looking forward to meeting businesses in Inverness to hear directly from them about their priorities following the vote by the UK to leave the EU.
“We’ll ensure that Scottish voices and interests are at the centre of the negotiations to come. We’re working closely with the Scottish Government and other partners as we form our negotiating strategy.
“We’re an outward looking, globally minded country, which is very much open for business.
“Our economic position is strong, with employment high and the deficit down by nearly two-thirds. That is a firm basis to build on as we forge a new role for our country in the world.”
The latest Brexit talks follow Scottish Secretary David Mundell’s roundtable discussions with Scottish business leaders in Edinburgh last month. (JULY)
Lord Dunlop will have discussions over the next three days with representatives of UHI, the chamber of commerce, tourism providers, SSE, the food and drink sector, and Norbord Ltd.
Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson said: “I’m delighted to welcome Lord Dunlop to Inverness.
“While he’s at the new campus he’ll see the exciting Stem (science and technology) project and the innovative assisted living project – both projects which are part of the City Region Deal.”