Development council head calls for political unity to bring growth

The leader of Scotland’s leading economic development body says Scotland’s civic, business and political leaders must unite under a plan to return long-term economic growth to the country.

Professor Lesley Sawers, chief executive of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry, made her plea in her New Year message, adding that working together to achieve growth would allow an honest debate on independence.

She said:  “Delivering this ambition requires two crucial actions. The first is to ensure that economic growth remains the top priority of Scotland’s leaders and policy-makers, driven forward across all decision-making at a local, regional and national level. This will ensure decision-making and policy analysis are geared towards delivering long-term growth.

“The second is for Scotland to come together to achieve economic growth. This requires all parties in all parliaments to work in collaboration and partnership with business and civic Scotland to develop an action plan for growth.”