THE HISTORIC concordat between national and local government is already delivering benefits for the people of Scotland and has defined the new relationship that exists between the two.

This was claimed yesterday by Scotland’s minister for culture, external affairs and the constitution, Michael Russell, as he addressed the CoSLA and Improvement Service Annual Conference at St Andrews.

He said, “We have entered into a grown-up relationship of mutual trust and responsibility that gives local authorities the freedom to set priorities and make decisions for the benefit of the communities they serve.

“I believe that is exactly the kind of relationship Scotland should enjoy, and our National Conversation about Scotland’s constitutional future is about having the same grown up relationship between the Scottish people and their neighbours and providing them with detailed information to make informed decisions”

Mr Russell said Scotland is constantly moving on in terms of the constitution, which is a necessity as the country adapts to meet the changing world around it.

He said, “I believe independence is key to fully realising our potential and I would be in dereliction of my duty as an elected representative if I did not say so.”

Former deputy prime minister John Prescott will be among the speakers at the conference today.

The event, which is on the theme Going Forward Together, is being held at the Fairmont complex near the town, and it is described as the keynote event in the Scottish local government calendar.

Other speakers taking part include finance secretary John Swinney and three Scottish party leaders —Iain Gray for Scottish Labour, Annabel Goldie for the Scottish Conservatives and Tavish Scott for the Scottish Lib Dems.

Television newsreader and presenter Jackie Bird will host an Excellence Awards dinner this evening, before the conference finishes tomorrow.