Dewar Calms Business Fears

Dewar: Devolution will be good for business

He told delegates that devolution would provide an opportunity for business help a new Parliament find Scottish solutions for Scottish problems. "It is not just a question of what impact a devolved Parliament will have on the business community, but what effect the business community can have on the devolved Parliament."

He also rejected the claims of the No campaign that devolution would make Scotland less attractive to foreign investors: "The level of continued interest in investing in Scotland is strong evidence that international business is not worrying about devolution."

Mr Dewar emphasised the enhanced position in Europe that devolution would give Scotland. He explained that the Scottish Executive would set up its own representative office in Brussels, which would help Scottish companies to improve their competativeness in Europe.

This speech was part of a concerted effort by all parties involved in the Yes campaign to persuade Scottish businesses that devolution would be good for them. This issue has attracted greater attention in the wake of the comments made by Sir Bruce Pattullo, the governor of the Bank of Scotland, late last week.