SNP ministers have turned to a former leader of Scottish Labour for help with the economy.
Wendy Alexander has been appointed to a panel of business representatives tasked with boosting Scotland’s economic output.
The Enterprise and Skills Strategic Board, which will meet for the first time on December 13, includes members with backgrounds in business, education, research, trade unions and councils.
Ms Alexander, a former MSP for Paisley North, led Scottish Labour from 2007 to 2008.
Economy secretary Keith Brown said the new panel would ensure “we are really maximising the benefits of our investment in Scotland’s businesses, innovators and entrepreneurs”.
He added: “We are rightly proud of our reputation as a nation of innovators. The support provided through this investment is greatly valued and it is important that it is properly co-ordinated, and focused on the needs of users.
“The members of the board have been chosen specifically for their expertise, both in their industrial and geographical areas.”
The panel will be chaired by Nora Senior, a former chair of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and President of the British Chambers of Commerce.
As well as Ms Alexander, it will include Liz Cameron from the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and Karen Betts of the Scottish Whisky Association.
Ms Senior, who is UK chair of global communications firm Weber Shandwick,? said: “It is time for a different way of looking at the enterprise and skills agenda, adopting a fresh approach and responding to changing economic, business and innovation needs.
“With such an ambitious remit, it is essential for the board to feature a range of voices with a depth of knowledge and experience of Scotland’s economy. The calibre of members we have invited on to the board is hugely impressive,
“I am confident that together we can build on the strengths of our system of enterprise and skills support, strengthen the links with other skills organisations and wider community to further drive inclusive growth and innovation across the country.”
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