Organisations invited to help shape policy

The Scottish Government has written to rural and environmental organisations calling for their help to “develop and guide future policy”.

The letter has been signed by Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing and Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham.

In the letter the two ministers provide an update on “ongoing efforts of the Scottish Government to protect Scotland’s interest in Europe during the UK’s negotiations to leave the European Union”.

The letter makes reference to a meeting between Mr Ewing and other rural ministers from around the UK to discuss Brexit.

It states: “There was no progress on our request for assurances on long-term funding for the rural economy.”

The letter also reveals that Ms Cunningham has written to Defra Secretary of State Andrea Leadsom asking her to provide a personal commitment that environmental policies will be given the full attention they deserve during Brexit talks.

“As well as this engagement between the administrations, we want to continue working closely with a wide range of stakeholders to help us develop and guide future policy on the rural economy and the environment,” the ministers say in their letter.

“The next two years are hugely important. They will determine what kind of country Scotland will become. We are determined to ensure that you have a say in shaping it.”