Communities are being urged to speak up for rural Scotland and join the debate into its future.

Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, launched a three month consultation on plans devised by the Rural Development Council to help boost economic recovery.

Launching the consultation today at the Turriff Agricultural Show, Mr Lochhead said: "Rural Scotland and its people have a central role to play in strengthening Scotland's economy.

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"It has an important role in meeting the nation's challenges in relation to food, water and energy security and is critical to our efforts to tackle climate change.

"Rural Scotland represents 94% of our land mass, is home to almost one million people and sustains one of the most diverse environments in Europe. It has a lot to offer, not least the energy and dynamism of its people and communities. All this makes it a great place for people to live work and bring up their families - we need to keep it that way.

"The Scottish Government has been working with rural communities and businesses to ensure they are in the strongest position possible to make best use of resources and emerge from the recession in as strong a position as possible."

(GK)