Brexit will have “considerable consequences” within Fife, leading regional figures have warned.
Steve Grimmond, chief executive of Fife Council, has hinted that major investment opportunities may be lost following the result of last week’s EU referendum.
He was addressing a full meeting of local councillors, stating that the region was taking every available step to assess the possible consequences of the landmark decision.
“We are beginning to map what these impacts may be,” said Mr Grimmond.
“Nobody can be in any doubt that the EU result will have considerable consequences in the coming months and years.
“Our economic development team will get information from 200 of the region’s top employers.
“What we do know is that last year we had 100 enquiries and many of the larger projects were from EU-based countries.”
Regional councillors expressed widespread concern on the potential impact on Fife caused by Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union.
Fifers voted by almost 59% to 41% to remain within the EU, a result hailed by SNP group leader Brian Goodall, who said that the outcome showed voters in the region to be “modern and forward-thinking”.
However, with the national vote going against that in the Kingdom, Fife Council leader David Ross said that all must be done to back Scottish Government efforts to keep Scotland within the EU and support those foreigners currently living in Fife.
“We need to look at all options for the people of Fife and see what can be done to offset any negative impacts,” he said.
“If there are any positives then we need to look at those as well.
“I hope that all members will join me in welcoming the First Minister’s engagement in discussions in Europe on our behalf.
“I would also like to give a strong message to the many citizens from other EU countries and the world that have chosen to live in Fife.
“A great majority of Fifers welcome the contribution they make to our society.
“We want to make sure we give a positive message that they are welcome here and we need to look after their needs at this time.”