Margo wants backing for jobs alliance

Independent Lothians MSP Margo MacDonald has backed a call for Scotland's political parties to put the creation of a skilled workforce at the heart of their policy commitments for the Scottish elections in May.

She has signed up to the Count Me In campaign by Alliance Scotland, the body representing employers on skills in areas from construction to hospitality.

The alliance says skills policy must be demand-led and access to apprenticeships and training opportunities should be widened.

Ms MacDonald, who has also tabled a motion on the issue at Holyrood, said: "A skilled workforce is absolutely vital if Scotland is able to compete in a highly competitive world."

She added: "No-one owes us a living, and I would urge all the parties and individuals involved in the forthcoming election to sign up to this."