First Minister, Alex Salmond has paid tribute to the contribution of family businesses in Scotland and praised the Scottish Family Business Association (SFBA) for their role in helping family enterprises flourish.

Morris & Spottiswood, McTaggart & Mickell, RB Farquhar and WH Malcolm were just some of those represented among the 100 family-owned businesses, policy makers, professional advisors, and academics who converged in Edinburgh Castle to attend a reception, hosted by the First Minister to honour the economic contribution and success of Scotland's burgeoning family business sector.

Mr Salmond said: "Family businesses are a crucial part of the Scottish economy - they provide up to half of all private sector employment. The Scottish Government recognises and values the importance of the contribution family businesses make across Scotland.

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"We are committed to increasing sustainable economic growth and creating the conditions where family business can continue to flourish and reach their full potential. The introduction of the Small Business Bonus Scheme alone will save Scottish businesses up to £165m a year. We have abolished tolls on the Forth and Tay bridges, we are modernising the planning framework and we are increasing investment in Scotland's strategic transport networks to £2.5bn by 2010/11.

"SFBA plays a vital role in protecting, supporting and helping to grow the hundreds of family businesses across Scotland. This Government completely supports the work of SFBA and I am delighted to be able to host this reception to celebrate the success of SFBA and the many businesses it represents."

George Morris, chairman of Morris & Spottiswood and director of SFBA said: "With government support at all levels, and the ongoing involvement of our universities and further education colleges, professional advisors, and business support organisations we can make Scotland the world leader in educating, nurturing and developing family businesses with the huge positive economic and social benefits this will bring.

"We are clear on what needs to be done, and equally clear that it requires many sectors to work together closely and in a joined-up way."

(GK/NS)