The Scottish Countryside Alliance welcomes the announcement that Fergus Ewing MSP has been appointed Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity.
Countryside Alliance Director for Scotland Jamie Stewart said: "The Scottish Government have come under significant criticism for the failure to deliver EU payments to farmers and the consequential link with an economic downturn in the rural economy. Shooting events and country sports tourism attract millions of visitors every year and profile Scotland as a sporting destination of choice around the world. Failure of the Scottish Government to invest in the sector will not only be detrimental to rural communities but to Scotland as a whole. We therefore look forward to working with the Minister as he addresses the key challenges faced by the rural economy and the vital importance of transport and broadband links. Failure of the Scottish Government to invest in the sector will not only be detrimental to rural communities but to Scotland as a whole."