Lib Dem claims SNP Government support for Highland food and drink industry “Derisory and insulting” (Edinburgh East and Musselburgh Liberal Democrats)

Edinburgh East and Musselburgh Liberal Democrats <Charles.Cavaye@talktalk.net>

Lib Dem claims SNP Government support for Highland food and drink industry “Derisory and insulting”

July 29, 2010 2:26 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Highland Liberal Democrat candidate Alan MacRae has condemned the new financial support the Scottish Government has awarded the food and drink industry in the Highlands as "paltry".

On Tuesday the Scottish Government announced an award of £25,000 to be spread throughout the entire Highlands and Islands. This included a mere £3000 for the Blas Festival, only £6000 to the Royal National Mod and just £6000 to the living food festival at Cawdor Castle.

Mr MacRae - who has a background in the industry having had interests in an Edinburgh restaurant before moving back to his native Skye and is a passionate advocate of the food and drink of the Highlands - said:

"The announcement of this cash award, which the Scottish Government accompanied by a press release and a lavish reception is derisory and verging on the insulting. To put it in context it is worth noting that the Scottish Government spent more than double this figure on hospitality alone during their 'summer tour' last year.

"It is particularly insulting considering a reduction in funds of £90,000 led to the demise of the Highlands and Islands Local Food Network (HILFN). HILFN was doing excellent work helping small producers throughout the Highlands access markets and was in the process of reaching critical mass and becoming self sustaining when its funding was pulled."

Notes:

Scottish Government press release regarding this can be found at http://scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2010/07/26153018

Some History on HILFN

· £90,000 of core funding was withdrawn from the Highlands & Islands Local Food Network by HIE, forcing the suspension of the organisation and the redundancy of its staff on 20th March 2009. On 10th March, HIE's Head of Food & Tourism wrote to the organisation saying:

"Highlands & Islands Enterprise is tasked with accelerating growth of the economy and under the new Government Economic Strategy is focussing our limited support on those businesses with greatest potential for growth. We are also tasked with encouraging those businesses who are operating out with local markets. These factors combined result in HIE being unable to continue to fund HILFN."

(see: http://www.hilocalfood.net/Userfiles/File/HIE%20letter%20to%20HILFN%2010...)

· In a letter which appeared widely in the local press, Highlands & Islands SNP MSP Dave Thompson claimed "[the suspension of HILFN] had nothing whatever to do with HIE's policy or budget," adding: "I am also certain that support for local food producers and groups will be forthcoming on a sustainable basis and look forward to positive action in this respect."

(see http://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/9212/Food_netw...)