Closer working relations with Ireland were on the top of the agenda when Richard Lochhead welcomed his Irish counterpart to the second meeting of the Scottish Rural Development Council (RDC) today.

Mr Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., the Irish Government Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs attended the meeting as part of a fact finding visit to Scotland.

Addressing the second meeting of the RDC, during which the Cabinet Secretary and delegates discussed a vision for rural Scotland, Minister Ó Cuív discussed his country's experience and ambition to work more closely with Scotland.

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Richard Lochhead Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment said: "Eamon O Cuiv is a highly influential figure within the Irish Parliament and I am delighted to welcome him to Scotland, and to speak to the Rural Development Council.

"This Government places great value in working closely with Ireland. We want to strengthen and build on our existing relationships with the Irish Dail (Parliament). It was extremely useful to look ahead and share views with Minister Ó Cuív.

"We discussed key issues, including those relating to rural and island development, and I was pleased to have the opportunity to talk about the way forward."

Before introducing Mr Ó Cuív Richard Lochhead welcomed two new members onto the Rural Development Council, Mr Alex Walker and Mr David Fyffe. Both appointees will broaden the experience base of the council.

(GK/JM)