Alex Salmond takes cabinet to Campbeltown

Alex Salmond was accompanied by Scottish Government ministers on his visit to Campbeltown. Picture: Greg Macvean

Mr Salmond and members of his ministerial team are carrying out a series of engagements in the Argyll town, and will also have their formal Cabinet meeting there tomorrow.

The visit is the latest in the Scottish Cabinet’s summer tour, which sees ministers - who usually meet in Mr Salmond’s official Edinburgh residence Bute House - travel to towns across Scotland.

Already this summer the Cabinet has staged its discussions in Lerwick and Hawick, and next week they will meet in Fraserburgh.

Speaking ahead of ministers’ arrival in Campbeltown, Mr Salmond said: “I am really delighted to be bringing the Cabinet to this beautiful part of Scotland, where I hope we can will have plenty of opportunities to engage with the people of Campbeltown and the wider Kintyre community.

Opportunity

“Our summer Cabinet meetings are all about taking government directly to the people and ensuring they get a chance to raise the issues of the day with ministers.

“This year we’re taking the Cabinet to the furthest reaches of Scotland and yet I suspect people in Campbeltown or Hawick share many of the same concerns and ambitions as people in Fraserburgh or Lerwick - whether about jobs, transport health care or law and order.”

As well as carrying out a number of engagements in the area, the public will also get the chance to quiz the First Minister and his team at a question-and-answer session.

“I particularly hope that a good number of local people are able to attend our public discussion event at the Victoria Hall on Wednesday,” Mr Salmond said.

“It’s perhaps unsurprising that this opportunity to quiz ministers on a range of issues has proved very popular when held in other towns previously. I am looking forward to another stimulating discussion with the people of Campbeltown.”