A new group tasked with bringing the rural economy to the forefront of policy making has been announced.
The new Rural Economy Action Group will guide how Scottish Ministers drive forward recommendations of a recent report by the National Council of Rural Advisers (NCRA).
These recommendations include ensuring rural policy is embedded in all decision making and ensuring national economic plans and industry-led strategies are joined up and promote the rural economy.
"As we edge ever closer to leaving the EU at the end of March and the risk of leaving with no deal in place growing, there has never been a more important time to ensure that our rural economy is mainstreamed into everything we do.
"That is why, having listened to the National Council of Rural Advisers, I am delighted to announce that Carol Tannahill has agreed to chair the new Rural Economy Action Group, which will immediately seek to guide how Scottish Ministers drive forward the Council's recommendations to grow a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive rural economy.
Carol Tannahill is the Head of Social Policy for the Scottish Government. Full membership of the Rural Economy Action Group will be announced in due course.