Scots cabinet visits Perthshire

Alex Salmond said he wanted to hear the concerns of the people

The Scottish cabinet is gathering in Pitlochry ahead of the latest in a series of meetings outside Edinburgh.

First Minister Alex Salmond will host a reception on Monday evening to celebrate the work of local charities and social and voluntary groups.

On Tuesday, the cabinet will hold its meeting and there will be a question and answer session with residents.

Ministers will also undertake local engagements - including the formal opening of the Community Hospital.

That will be carried out by the Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon.

'Only logical'

Pitlochry is the destination for the third of four meetings being held outside Edinburgh during the parliamentary recess.

Mr Salmond has already taken his cabinet to Inverness and Dumfries.

A trip to Skye later this month will conclude the series of gatherings.

The aim of the visits is give local communities an opportunity to speak to ministers directly about the issues important to them.

Mr Salmond said: "The job of government is to act on behalf of the interests of the people of Scotland.

"It is only logical that we continue to take every opportunity we can to maintain our dialogue with the people we represent and listen to the issues which are important to them.

"Taking cabinet to areas like Pitlochry is an excellent way for us to meet with local communities and listen to their concerns and ambitions for Scotland."