Nicola Sturgeon has claimed “putting right” the SNP’s CAP payment debacle is at the “uppermost of (her) mind” following the election.
The First Minister, who is expected to be formerly elected by parliament next week, said her government would focus on boosting the rural economy amid “tough circumstances”.
The Scottish Conservatives did unexpectedly well in many rural areas, including north and north-east Scotland, at last week’s vote, while the Scottish Liberal Democrats won other countryside seats.
Ms Sturgeon’s party manifesto included a number of plans to try to boost the rural economy, including establishing a £5million fund to promote regional food products.
Speaking at a press conference at Bute House, she said: “Lots and lots of voters in rural Scotland voted SNP in the election last week but I recognise – and recognised during the campaign and indeed before the campaign – this is a tough time for the rural economy.
“That’s another feature of the focus we’ll be putting on the economy.
“Farmers, fishermen the primary producers of food and drink which is doing so well for us in the economy, are facing tough economic circumstances through commodity prices and other global factors.
“I also recognise very openly that there is a particular issue that is our responsibility to put right around the CAP system and that is very much at the uppermost of my mind at the moment.
“We will continue to look at the election result but, regardless of the election result, we will continue to respond to issues and concerns of people in every part of Scotland.
“Scotland is not one homogenous country. There are different geographies obviously.
“Different interests, different sectors and we need to make sure we are responding to each of them.”
