The Scottish Government has today (Wednesday 8th February) refused to confirm that the forthcoming South of Scotland Enterprise Agency will be run locally.
Recently, the Scottish Parliament voted in favour of retaining the Highlands based board for Highlands and Islands Enterprise over fears that running it in the central belt will mean a loss of local knowledge. Now, there is a real concern that the South of Scotland Enterprise Agency will also be run centrally.
Local MSP John Lamont lodged a question in the Scottish Parliament urging the Scottish Government to confirm it will be staffed and run in the south of Scotland.
In response, the Minister in charge said the Government was still “exploring detailed options for how the vehicle will work, including its legal and organisational structure and its accountability” and refused to provide any further information.
Commenting, John Lamont MSP said: “I am very supportive of the idea of a South of Scotland Enterprise Agency. It was included in my party’s manifesto so I was pleased that the SNP Government adopted the idea.
“However, I fear a real opportunity might be missed unless it is run locally. There seems little point in creating a dedicated agency for the south of Scotland, for it to be run in the central belt.
“I was disappointed that the Minister is unable to provide any information about how the agency will be run. Establishing it in the area will bring highly skilled local jobs but it will also ensure the agency is fully aware of the specialist needs and challenges faced by businesses in the Borders.”