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Strategy to diversify Uist economy 1/9/10
The Hebrides Range Taskforce (HRTF) met today in Balivanich in order to review activities over the past period and consider the way forward over the Autumn.
Members of HRTF were appraised that the Economic Diversification Strategy was now complete and that an implementation group had been formed to drive forward progress. HRTF met with John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth in Edinburgh in July to discuss the strategy.
Mr Swinney very much welcomed the strategy and looked forward to its implementation. He made Scottish Government officials available to provide advisory input and assist HRTF with the delivery of the strategy.
HRTF continues to engage in political outreach activity across the main political parties. A series of meetings recently took place in London where representatives of HRTF met with a number of politicians and officials.
That activity afforded an opportunity to make new contacts and to update them on the defence and economic importance of Hebrides Range. It also provided an opportunity to remind key stakeholders of the reasoning behind the previous Defence Minister’s decision in regard to the Range.
HRTF will have a presence at the UK party conferences during September / October to allow key messages to be relayed to politicians, officials and advisors within the three parties.
HRTF also continue to engage with Qinetiq and recently met with Leo Quinn, Chief
Executive of Qinetiq. The meeting provided an opportunity to understand some of his
key objectives and to gain an in-
The potential for diversification activities at Hebrides Range is also being explored, with a market review, evaluation and identification of opportunities exercise being undertaken into the commercial and civilian unmanned aerial systems sector. This growth sector has been identified as having potential to present opportunities for diversification.
Speaking after the meeting the Chairman of HRTF, Councillor Angus Campbell said: “Today’s meeting provided an opportunity to update the Members of HRTF in regard to activity over the last few months and for us to agree the way forward for the next period.
“HRTF is very much aware that a Strategic Defence and Security Review is underway
and that critical decisions may be taken by the end of the year. We are keen, that
ahead of any decision-
“Over the next number of months we will continue to reach out to the various political parties to ensure they are fully conversant with the issues.
“As well as that critical political outreach work, HRTF will continue to progress with our economic and defence diversification agendas. I am pleased that the Economic Diversification Strategy is complete and will shortly be formally launched.
“As part of the development of the strategy, representatives of HRTF recently met with the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth and presented the draft strategy to him.
“Mr Swinney was very positive in regard to the strategy and I am pleased that he was able to offer us the support of his officials in taking forward and implementing the strategy. I now look forward to rapid progress being made on the implementation of the strategy.
“We are also undertaking important exploratory work in regard to the defence diversification potentials at the Range. A study into the potentials has been commissioned and I await with interest the outcomes of that work.”