THE Scottish Government has hit back over claims they were dragging their heels over the Ayrshire Growth Deal.

Social security minister Jeane Freeman, MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, has responded to comments made by Conservative MSP Brian Whittle.

The South Scotland MSP had claimed that there was a “lack of ambition for the are” by the Scottish Government.

Up to £360million of investment could be brought to the region if the deal comes to fruition including £120million worth of manufacturing investment in East Ayrshire.

Responding to Mr Whittle’s comments, Ms Freeman said: “Keith Brown made it very clear in his statement that the Scottish Government are extremely supportive of the Ayrshire Growth Deal. He also pointed out that the Scottish Government were asked by the three Ayrshire authorities to make contact with the UK Government as they could not get a response, not a promising sign of support for Ayrshire.

“The Scottish Government are determined to deliver a deal that will bring jobs and investment to the area, reduce unemployment and reinvigorate the local economy.

“Discussions on this deal between the Scottish Government and regional partners began earlier this year and they are currently working closely with those partners to understand their full ambitions for the deal.

“Keith Brown advised that his understanding of the UK Government’s position is that it does not want to be part of the Ayrshire growth deal, although it might be the case that support is forthcoming for different projects through the industrial strategy.

“The UK Government need to decide whether they are going to support Ayrshire or not.

“If Brian Whittle knows that the UK Government plans to agree to support the Ayrshire Growth Deal, given the huge benefits it would bring to the area, I would ask him to encourage for his counterparts in Westminster to move forward and stand with the Scottish Government to support Ayrshire.”