Top Holyrood summit for community-driven firms

Community-driven companies and groups on Arran and Cumbrae took centre stage in the capital recently.

- STEWART MCCONNELL

The inaugural Islands Economy Showcase was held recently at the Scottish Parliament - and it shone the spotlight on six North Ayrshire enterprises, highlighting much of the work they have doing across their communities.

And Cabinet Member Alan Hill said it offered them a “golden opportunity” to showcase their skills in Edinburgh.

The event offered a unique platform to 24 enterprises from across Scotland’s councils with island communities to meet policy makers, explore opportunities, share challenges and celebrate achievements.

Among the featured participants were Arran Dairies, Taste of Arran, VisitArran, Auchrannie Resort, Cumbrae Community Development Company and Carbon Neutral Cumbrae.

They worked together to show the vital contributions that island-based businesses make to both the local and national economy.