Nicola Sturgeon unveils plan to rebuild "fairer and greener" Scots economy

Nicola Sturgeon has unveiled fresh measures to help kick-start Scotland's shellshocked economy as firms struggle to survive during the Coronavirus lockdown.

Nicola Sturgeon set out plans for a "greener and fairer" economy

A new economic advisory group has been established "navigate" the way forward and rebuild the economy along "fairer and greener" lines.

The SNP leader today announced a multi-million pound funding package for the fishing industry amid fears that coastal areas are being ravaged by the shutdown.

More than 18,000 firms has so far benefited from more than £200 million of assistance, she added.

"It's clear that the market for fish and shellfish has effectively collapsed," the First Minister said today.

"That is having a very serious and immediate impact on many of our coastal and island communities."

She added: "We are allocating a further £3.5 million for fishing vessels of over 12 metres.

"That means in total more than 1000 businesses will now be eligible for support and it brings our overall package of support to the seafood, fishing and aquaculture sectors to nearly £23million."

The SNP leader said emergency support helps deal with the immediate impact of the virus on the economy.

The task of "rebuilding" the economy on the other side of the lockdown is also now in the sights of ministers.

"None of should be under any illusions about the scale of that task - this is an unprecedented situation," she said.

"We do want to start the work now to make sure that we are able to navigate the best way possible forward.

"That's why we're announcing today the establishment of an economic recovery advisory group. It's role will be to advise Government on actions to support economic recovery.

"Crucially, it will consider how these actions will contribute to our aim of building a fairer and more greener and more equal society as well."

It will comprise Scotland's top captains of industry and economic experts.

"I do believe its establishment will be an important step in preparing Scotland for the challenges that lie ahead."

The Scottish Government has already awarded more than 18,000 grants to firms, with £215million paid out, as part of an expanded business support scheme worth £1.3bn.