COMMENT

Scotland is set for new investment directly from the UK government in next month’s budget following lobbying from Scottish Conservative MPS, party sources have said.

The group of 13 MPS is targeting areas that remain under the control of Whitehall to underline the benefit of the Union and cement gains in the northeast of Scotland and the Borders.

Specific areas where pressure is being exerted on the Treasury are understood to include rail infrastructure, support for decommissioning of North Sea oil infrastructure, and the Scottish whisky industry’s campaign to reverse the latest increase in spirit duty.

By wielding its clout as a bloc within Theresa May’s minority government, the Scottish Conservative group has secured commitments

“As a vodka drinker, spirits duty is something that’s very close to my own heart, and I always like to see it competitive”

RUTH DAVIDSON