Anas Sarwar today unveiled the new board which has been tasked with providing “completely impartial” advice to the Scottish Labour leader and economy spokesperson Daniel Johnson as it draws up a new economic growth strategy.

In addition to Mr Begbie, the board also comprises:

• Liz Cameron, director and CEO, Scottish Chambers of Commerce;
• Sandy Begbie, chief executive, Scottish Financial Enterprise;
• Fran Hegyi, chief executive, Edinburgh International Festival;
• Mary McGowne, founder and managing director, The Vine;
• Mike Soutar, non-executive director and interviewer on BBC show The Apprentice;
• Willie Haughey, chair, City Facilities Management Holdings;
• Paul McManus, director and majority shareholder, Cloburn Quarry Company;
• Bob Brannan, chair, Walker’s Shortbread and former Group Managing Director of both William Grant & Sons and Whyte & Mackay; and
• Karen Whitefield, former Labour MSP, deputy head of education and training for Usdaw and vice-chair of Scottish Labour Unions.

Mr Sarwar said: “We have brought together an extraordinary array of leaders from Scotland’s business community who will bring a deep understanding of what businesses in Scotland need and will identify the emerging trends in the global economy which will help to attract investment and jobs into Scotland.

“This is made up of industry experts who will bring deep insight, knowledge and understanding so that we produce a growth plan which meets the needs of business and delivers for Scotland.

“We have brought together an extraordinary array of talent from the worlds of finance, energy, food and drink, arts and culture, and the trade union movement.

“Together, they have all delivered successful growth that has boosted Scotland’s economy, and faced business challenges that have required expert management.

“Over the coming months, Scottish Labour will formulate our economic growth plan, taking on board the independent advice we receive. I thank them all for their time and for sharing their knowledge.

“They all remain firmly independent, and that is as important for me as much as it is for them, because that is key to the partnership approach I want to take with business.

“This isn’t about party politics – this is about delivering for Scotland.”