Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has urged the Scottish Government to ensure that it is ready to allow construction projects to re-start when conditions allow.

Mr Cameron made his plea to the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affair, Fiona Hyslop, earlier today (Tuesday 21st April) during Topical Questions at the Scottish Parliament.

In his question Mr Cameron made special reference to the Highlands and Islands where projects tend to be smaller and social distancing easier to maintain.

He said: “The restrictions on construction are stricter in Scotland than elsewhere in the UK, and that makes it all the more important that when conditions allow we are ready to go."

“Having discussed this issue with a local Chamber of Commerce only this morning, I was pleased that the Cabinet Secretary responded positively to my question and indicated that the construction sector would be considered very seriously when the Scottish Government is looking to ease restrictions on commercial activity."

“The Highlands and Islands is taking an economic pounding from the pandemic and it would be highly beneficial if there was the prospect of construction work being one of the first sectors to resume operations.”