To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to address the economic circumstances in the Western Isles following such events as the announcement of the closure of the Lighthouse Caledonia fish processing factory on Lewis and the downturn in the Harris Tweed industry.

The Lighthouse Caledonia announcement is of course regrettable and, coupled with the downturn in the Harris Tweed industry, poses obvious challenges to the Western Isles economy. The Scottish Government will continue to work with local partners, both in the public and private sectors, to consider all possible options for economic recovery and sustainability in the Western Isles.