Commenting ahead of events to mark ten years of devolution in Scotland, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats Tavish Scott MSP said:

“While celebrating the last ten years we must not forget that devolution is not an event but a constantly evolving process.

“People’s hunger for change is clear to see. The appetite for more powers for the Scottish Parliament has never been greater.

“The recession has hit Scotland hard. Unemployment is rising twice as fast as compared to the rest of the UK. All the talk of green shoots makes no difference to the hundreds who are added to the dole queue on a daily basis.

“We need a different approach. The Scottish Parliament must be able to use its powers for a purpose, bringing the new jobs and investment that Scotland needs.

“Securing additional responsibilities for the Parliament will help us to do that. Only then will we be able to fulfil our responsibility to the Scottish people and counter this recession.”

Ends.