The recent strategy for enterprise, A Smart, Successful Scotland, which provides a clear sense of direction and priorities for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, sets the foundation for successful and sustainable economic development across Scotland, including the Highlands and Islands.Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise and their networks of local enterprise companies are the Executive's main agencies for the promotion of economic development in rural areas, and are committed to pursuing a wide range of activities for this purpose, including the exploitation of advances in information and communications technology, support for business formation, development, and diversification, the encouragement of commercial application of scientific and technological research, enhancing learning and training opportunities, specific initiatives targeted upon the development of key sectors such as food and drink, forestry and tourism, and through ensuring that there is an adequate supply of sites and premises for business purposes.The Scottish Executive is also committed to providing substantial support for traditional rural industries such as agriculture, fisheries, fish...