On the day that she kicked off the 150 day countdown to the Scottish Parliament elections, Scottish Conservative Leader, Ruth Davidson, took time out to visit East Lothian.
Ruth Davidson MSP visited Dunbar businesses with East Lothian candidate for the Scottish Parliament election, Rachael Hamilton.
Both Ruth Davidson and Rachael Hamilton visited Thistly Cross Cider, The Store at Belhaven Fruit Farm to speak to owners about what more can be done to help support small businesses in East Lothian.
Speaking after the visit, Ruth Davidson MSP said: “My party is firmly on the side of small businesses, which are the beating heart of Scotland’s economy. From relatively new and growing companies like Peter and Ian’s at Thistly Cross Cider to well established family run businesses, we need these entrepreneurs to help grow our economy and provide jobs.
“Businesses have been through a tough time recently but it seems the outlook about the future is positive in East Lothian. It was really good to see the range of businesses in East Lothian, but the Scottish Government needs to do more to support them by reducing barriers to business growth and ensuring our youngsters are given the necessary skills for employment.”
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Candidate Rachael Hamilton said: “It was an absolute pleasure to show Ruth around these excellent East Lothian businesses. As a small business owner myself, I know how difficult it can be to set up a successful company and how frustrating barriers to growth can be.
“In East Lothian we are blessed with fantastic produce like Thistly Cross Cider and Belhaven Fruit. But we need to ensure that businesses like these are supported by low taxation and a well-educated work force.”
Rachael added: “With so much new housing planned for East Lothian, there is a real opportunity for new businesses in East Lothian, provided we get the infrastructure right.”