Published: Sunday, 17th May, 2009 7:19pm

Scottish Cabinet visits Melrose

FIRST Minister Alex Salmond has announced plans to hold a cabinet meeting in the Borders this summer.

Some of the most powerful politicians in the country will visit Melrose to discuss some of the biggest issues affecting the region.

It follows on from last year's ground-breaking Summer Cabinet programme where several hundred people attended events in Dumfries, Inverness, Pitlochry and Skye.

The Scottish Government's Cabinet will hold five meetings outside Edinburgh - Dundee, Melrose, Stornoway, Aberdeen and Glasgow - during the Parliament's summer recess period.

Mr Salmond said: "I believe it is vital that we do all we can to take government to our communities, discussing issues - local and national - with members of the public right across Scotland. That is even more important this year, as we work together to fight recession.

"Last summer, the enthusiasm and interest that local communities showed in taking part in the programme of Cabinet events was hugely impressive, and brought government closer to the people.

"Having the entire Cabinet in one room to 'button-hole' them on the issues that matter most to individuals and their communities is something that was widely welcomed last year, and we look forward to developing these opportunities this year with the people of Dundee, the Borders, the Western Isles, Aberdeen and Glasgow."

Ministers will visit Melrose on July 27 and 28.

As well as the formal Cabinet Meeting, Ministers will take part in National Conversation public meetings, host Homecoming receptions, and undertake visits and engagements around each visit.

Mr Salmond added: "Our summer Cabinet programme allows the Ministerial team to hear the views and concerns of wider Scottish society, helping the Scottish Government keep close to the communities we serve. We also held this programme cost effectively last year. Our entire programme of Cabinet meetings outwith Edinburgh cost less than one of the UK Cabinet meetings held outside London."

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