CABINET SECRETARY'S BREAKFAST WITH BANFFSHIRE BUSINESS

Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs & the Environment Richard Lochhead will be visiting Banff on Monday to hear the views of local businesses and take questions on government policy.

Mr Lochhead is visiting at the invitation of SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford and will be speaking at a Business Breakfast being held under the auspices of Banffshire Business at the Fife Lodge Hotel, Banff at 7.00am on Monday, 15th March.

Welcoming Mr Lochhead's visit to Banff, Eilidh Whiteford said:

"I am delighted that we have been able to secure the attendance of the Cabinet Secretary responsible for two of Banffshire's most important sectors – fishing and farming.

"The SNP Government has been extremely pro-active in helping small businesses through the Small Business Bonus Scheme which has seen business rates removed or greatly reduced for thousands of North-east businesses. But, in the teeth of a UK recession, it is important that local businesses take the opportunity to tell those at the heart of Government of their experiences and their view of how Holyrood can help shelter the local economy from the 'Downing Street Downturn'."

John Cox of Banffshire Business added:

"Banffshire Business has organised two or three of these business breakfasts which have all been highly successful. They provide some excellent networking opportunities for local businesses in the absence of Banffshire having its own chamber of commerce and I very much look forward to Monday's event."

To register your attendance please telephone 01261 812436 or e-mail info@banffshirebusiness.com