What action it is taking to aid the development of rural Scotland, for example by increasing the amount of quality rented housing in rural …

The Scottish Executive is committed to maintaining strong, prosperous and growing communities in rural Scotland. Examples of the wide range of measures we are taking to achieve this are set out in our Annual Rural Report, http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/rural/anrr04-00.asp.
On housing, we have increased our investment in rural areas this year to nearly £80 million which will fund more than 1,400 affordable homes. This includes both quality housing for rent and low-cost home ownership units. The percentage share of the housing investment programme allocated to rural areas now stands at a record high of 28% in 2004-05, compared with 20% in 1999-2000.