Liberal Democrat proposals for the creation of new Regional Development Banks could play a vital role in ensuring Highland business can grow and create jobs, according to Danny Alexander, MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey.

Speaking during a visit to Harry Gow’s bakery in Inverness with local Liberal Democrat candidates Christine Jardine and Alan MacRae, Mr Alexander said that he was deeply concerned that many companies are still failing to get the help they need to create vital jobs.

Scottish Liberal Democrats proposals for new Regional Development Banks would provide more accessible and personalised support for 1,000 businesses.

The new institutions would work with colleges, universities and local authorities to deliver business lending, skills, training and tourism functions shaped around the needs of the area.

Commenting, Mr Alexander said:

"At a time when money is tight it is vital that government does everything possible to create the conditions to allow businesses to grow and generate the jobs that we need to keep Highland communities alive. It is deeply concerning that so many viable companies are still not getting the financial support they need from their banks.

"This is something that Labour failed to address when they were in power at Westminster and I see no evidence to suggest that the SNP would make any difference at Holyrood. For four years, Alex Salmond has failed to provide small businesses with respite from rate increases and has refused to consider proposals for transitional relief. The SNP are again talking big on support for business but why should local firms trust them now?

"The Scottish Liberal Democrats’ new Regional Development Banks would provide local businesses with an additional £500 million of support at a time when many Highland firms are crying out for help."

Commenting on today’s visit of the Prime Minister to Inverness, Mr Alexander added:

"David Cameron is very welcome in the Highlands, an area where the Conservatives have been also rans for decades. People here recognise that the Liberal Democrats are the only party consistently to speak up for the Highlands.

"I hope when he is here Mr Cameron will listen to the experience of people here who already use AV, as they do in local by-elections across Scotland.

"He will learn that using the AV system is simple, straightforward, and does not cost any more.

"Having heard that AV is as easy as 1-2-3, he should ask the 'No' campaign to stop the ridiculous scare stories. People in Scotland will not be scared or bought by the No campaign - we know that AV is a small change that will make a big difference."