Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) chief executive Sandy Cumming has welcomed today's announcement (Wednesday 28th March 2001) by Wendy Alexander MSP, Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning of an additional £5 million (pounds) to help businesses affected by the foot and mouth epidemic.

"Our network of ten local enterprise companies across the Highlands and Islands have been providing practical advice and information to businesses since the outbreak began. This package will enable us to step up a gear to further provide specialist advice and support to businesses from all sectors. This is another positive and welcome step that will help businesses back on the road to recovery."