18 July 2007

THE SCOTTISH Rural Affairs Secretary will visit Shetland on 23 August to discuss local views on rural, marine and environmental issues.

Richard Lochhead’s visit is part of his summer tour of Scotland since becoming rural affairs secretary in May.

He is hosting public meetings, taking part in question and answer sessions and getting local views on pressing issues.

Mr Lochhead said: “We are genuinely keen to provide the public with the opportunity to put their concerns and questions directly to us.

“As the Scottish government prepares for the new parliamentary session, we want to arm ourselves with the concerns and opinions of communities.”