SNP President Ian Hudghton MEP has welcomed the Scottish Government's recommendation that Angus be included in the EU Structural Funds for Lowlands and Uplands Scotland programme for 2007-2013.   Mr Hudghton had discussions with Angus Council representatives in Brussels who put forward the area's case for inclusion within the forthcoming funding programme.

Speaking of the news, Mr Hudghton said:

"I had a number of meetings in Brussels with a delegation from East of Scotland European Consortium (ESEC), which included representatives from Angus Council.  I was indeed very impressed with the case which they put forward in support of Angus's inclusion within the European Structural Funds programme for 2007-2013.

"Following these discussions at the European Parliament I was in dialogue with my colleagues in the Scottish Government in order that Angus's position may be taken into account.   I am very hopeful that this will ensure Angus is not excluded from the programme of funding which would result in significant benefits for the local area.

"I will continue to monitor the situation in Angus, as in other parts of my constituency.   EU funding provides significant benefits to Angus and Scotland as a whole and I will be paying close attention to the ongoing discussions on the matter."