Shadow Finance Secretary Donald Cameron is urging the Scottish Government to reverse its planned cuts to Highlands and Islands Enterprise in the light of the coronavirus pandemic.

In an exchange of letters with HIE chief executive Carrie Buxton, it was revealed that HIE proposes to balance its books by slashing the financial support it gives to business across the region. During the last financial quarter alone (Oct-Dec 2019) HIE provided financial awards to nearly 100 businesses and organisations in the region.

Mr Cameron, a Highlands and Islands MSP, said: “The Covid 19 emergency will require a profound rethink of many decisions, including budgetary decisions, that were made before the implications of the pandemic became clear.

“Clearly, It would be folly to slash support for businesses at a time when they are facing unprecedented challenges and wondering what the future may hold for them and their employees.

“The business community in the Highlands and Islands is characterised by small enterprises which simply lack the liquidity to sustain themselves for a prolonged period without income.

“They will naturally look towards Highlands and Islands Enterprise for support and advice, which it is uniquely placed to provide,  because of its understanding of the distinctive nature of our economy and the enterprises which provide its backbone.

“I will be speaking to ministers, as well as HIE, to urge that this is looked at as urgently as possible so as to reassure everyone affected.”