Lesley Sawers: Scotland's cities need help to be real engines of growth

They will also be creators and enablers of many opportunities that will define Scotland as a competitive and world-class place to live, work, do business and visit.

To achieve such goals, our cities need strong and active relationships with government and, importantly, with each other. This is why the historic gathering in Stirling today of leaders from Scotland's six cities sends out a powerful signal of joint focus on ambitions they share.

In signing the shared vision pledge, city leaders demonstrate not just the positive aspirations for their own cities and regions, but a collective commitment to delivering economic growth for Scotland.

By working together they are not pitting urban priorities against rural ones – far from it – but recognising that it is our cities that will drive regional and national economies as well as offering solutions to social and environmental challenges.

To be engines of growth, our cities need support mechanisms from government which recognise the importance of their contribution, support the jobs and skills needed and reward their productivity.

In times of constrained public spending, effective partnerships and collaborations are not just desirable but essential. Vitally, our cities can't stand still while UK and European competitors gain in strength and reach.

The Scottish Government's new cities minister is charged with delivering a fresh agenda for cities which supports them as engines for growth. We look forward to working with the minister and the cities to achieve these welcome aspirations.

Today's shared vision pledge is an important milestone on this new journey of our six cities working together, delivering successful and sustainable cities in a successful and sustainable Scotland.

• Dr Lesley Sawers is chief executive of SCDI.