Dave Thompson MSP

Highland MSP Dave Thompson has welcomed news that his constituency has been chosen to host the Cabinet of the Scottish Government's regular summer tour this year.

Mr Thompson is delighted that Fort William has been chosen for this year's inaugural meeting of the Cabinet's summer tour, an innovation introduced shortly after the first SNP Government was formed.

As part of the Scottish Government's openness agenda, each year since 2008 the Cabinet has held several summer meetings outside its normal home in Edinburgh. This year's summer tour will begin at Fort William on July 28, followed by further meetings in Stranraer (August 9), Kirkcaldy (August 23) and Elgin (September 6).

Mr Thompson said: "I have been pleased to welcome ministers to this wonderful constituency when I have invited them to meetings, such as when I have joined Richard Lochhead in meeting our fishermen and farmers over the past year but this will be the first time I have been able to greet so many at once; it will be great to have the whole Cabinet together and accessible.

"The beauty of the area will come as no surprise to them but neither will the need for investment in transport infrastructure. By visiting the area they will also be able to spend time meeting local organisations, councillors and campaigners to discuss a whole range of issues.

"This will be a welcome opportunity for people in Lochaber and surrounding areas to see how Government is conducted and to engage with the Cabinet face to face in Lochaber."

Note:

Previously summer meetings have been held in Dundee, Melrose, Stornoway, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Dumfries, Inverness, Skye, Isle of Bute, Pitlochry, Dornoch, Stirling and Kilmarnock.