8. To ask the Scottish Government whether it has a Covid-19 economic recovery plan for the Highlands and Islands region. (S5O-05137)

We detailed our plans for economic recovery in our response to the advisory group on economic recovery and we have developed them in a number of publications since then. They include our commitment to a model that addresses regional needs and issues and a renewed focus on place-based initiatives. We have committed over £1.2 billion to drive Scotland’s economic recovery and, as I said in my answer to Rhoda Grant, significant funding has been and will be invested across the Highlands and Islands to aid recovery and renewal.

At the convention of the Highlands and Islands on Monday, I launched our first population strategy to address the complex demographic challenges for our economy. We will continue to work with partners through the convention to address those and wider economic issues.

The Cabinet secretary will be aware that many small hospitality businesses in the Highlands and Islands have been badly hit during the pandemic. Many have received little or no income since the end of 2019. What further support, specifically, can hospitality businesses in the Highlands and Islands access as Scotland moves out of lockdown?

My colleagues Kate Forbes and Fergus Ewing have been providing business support initiatives particularly for hospitality. Funds are available to help to support smaller businesses in the sector that do not pay council tax. Across the hospitality sector, the announcement of the restart grant support, in addition to two extra weeks of the strategic framework business fund support grants, means that in the period of reopening, from 26 April onwards, there should be resources to help the sector.

I appeal to everybody, when they can do so safely, to support Highlands and Islands hospitality with their patronage—people who live locally and those who will be able to travel there after 26 April.