Salmond accused of ignoring his own advisers

THE purpose of Alex Salmond's "stellar cast" of economic advisers was questioned yesterday after claims that he ignored their advice.

The First Minister met the Council of Economic Advisers yesterday in Banff to discuss improving the Scottish economy.

But opposition MSPs said it was "pointless", even though it is made up of leading businessmen and economists, including Nobel prize winners, and is chaired by Sir George Mathewson, a former chairman of Royal Bank of Scotland.

They said the Scottish Government response, published this week, to the council's report showed Mr Salmond was not willing to consider views outside SNP policy. He rejected reforms to student funding higher education courses and a need for nuclear power.

Labour's John Park added: "It's typical of Mr Salmond's approach. Even a stellar cast cannot change his mind." But a Scottish Government spokesman said the council had made a valuable contribution, especially to planning reform.