Rural Scotland asked its opinion on marine issues

Supported by his deputy, Environment Minister Michael Russell, Mr Lochhead will travel from Dumfries to Lerwick to host public meetings, take part in question and answer sessions, and gather communities' views on pressing rural, marine and environmental issues.

Senior civil servants and chief executives from various agencies, including Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), will also attend the public meetings to hear views and answer questions directly from the audience.

The information gathered during the 'listening tour' will help inform decisions on forthcoming priorities and policy formation.

The first public meeting took place in Aberdeen yesterday.

Mr Lochhead said: "This summer, I want to take the opportunity to engage directly with the people of Scotland and to hear first hand their views on how to shape our future.

"As the Scottish government prepares for the new Parliamentary session, we want to arm ourselves with the concerns and opinions of communities"