Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown has welcomed new figures which show Scottish Enterprise has achieved record results for the economy - including their strongest-ever year on jobs and capital investment. 

Between April 2023 and March 2024, Scottish Enterprise supported over 1,300 companies, securing 16,000 jobs and unlocking more than £1.9bn of capital investment.

SNP MSP Ms Brown says it is vital that everyone has access to good paying jobs, and that tackling child poverty is still a priority. 

She said: "Under First Minister John Swinney, the SNP has prioritised growing Scotland's economy and the best way to do this is to support ambitious businesses and entrepreneurs across Scotland.

"Over 16,000 jobs, including 9,000 generated from inward investment, and billions of pounds of private finance being unlocked, shows the actions of the SNP Government are helping to grow the economy here.

"Despite Westminster austerity from the Labour party, the SNP is working to deliver a growing and vibrant economy that works for everyone in Scotland - ensuring that people have access to well-paying jobs, strong public services, and that we have the resources to tackle child poverty.

"With the full powers of independence, Scotland's economy could go even further as businesses and workers escaped the failing Westminster economic model and benefited from lower energy prices, stronger workers’ rights, and regaining access to the European single market."