Unanimous welcome for City Deal announcement
People from politics, business and education have welcomed Wesminster’s green light for the Stirling and Clacks City Deal.
Clackmannanshire Council leader Bobby McGill said: “We are delighted that we can now move ahead with our ambitions for the region. We are in an excellent position to drive this forward and deliver real change together with our people and communities.”
Trossachs and Teith Conservative councillor Martin Earl said: “The announcement on Wednesday from the Chancellor is fantastic news.
“The investment proposals put together by council officers, businesses and others made a compelling case that deserved to be successful.
“Hopefully the Scottish Government will now be just as supportive.
“The significant infrastructure plans for Callander must be realised, as must other investment in our rural areas to ensure this city deal benefits all of Stirlingshire.”
Stirling MP Steven Paterson welcomed the news and said: “It is essential to encourage the kind of growth and jobs that we need to help the local Stirling economy in the face of the huge uncertainty created by Brexit.
“I look forward to looking at the details of this announcement and working together with all agencies and partners involved to create the environment where we can make this the success story that Stirling deserves.”
Brendan Dick, director of BT Scotland, is a member of the Stirling City Commission, a board of politicians and members of the business and education community set up to advise on the development of the area.
He said: “BT Scotland has been an enthusiastic partner in developing the City Deal bid and will continue to champion the area and everything it has to offer to business, to residents, to students and to young people.”
Stirling University principal Gerry McCormac said: “The university has been actively involved in encouraging staff and students to support the City Deal by signing the Stirling Pledge to help position the city as a major economic and cultural player both nationally and internationally.
“We can now work together to deliver on this ambitious plan to drive economic growth and revitalise the region as a world-class, dynamic and enterprising destination.”
Scottish Government economy secretary Keith Brown said: “We have been consistent in our support for City Region Deals for Tay Cities and Stirling and I am delighted that the Chancellor has finally responded to our calls for the UK Government to join us in discussions.
“The ambitious City Region Deal for Stirling and Clackmannanshire represents an opportunity to unlock investment, boost economic growth and invest in infrastructure.
“We look forward to progressing discussions with the councils and the UK Government as a matter of urgency.”
UK Government minister Andrew Dunlop said: “The hard work starts now. The UK and Scottish governments will be sitting down with Stirling Council and other partners to work through the detail of their proposals over the coming weeks and months.”
Stirling Council SNP group leader Scott Farmer said: “I am looking forward to seeing how we can use this opportunity to its fullest potential, creating opportunities for people across Stirling, helping us address some of the Scottish Government’s key aims including closing the attainment gap and move towards the truly inclusive society, bursting with potential, that we know the Stirling region can be.”