First Minister John Swinney is pledging to “work tirelessly” to “champion” Scotland’s rural communities.
He added that legislation his Government is committed to bringing forward will help rural areas “grasp the opportunities before them”.
The Scottish Government is to introduce a Rural Renewal Bill in its first 100 days, with Mr Swinney discussing the issue ahead of a visit to the Royal Highland Show on the outskirts of Edinburgh on Thursday.
The First Minister – who will be accompanied by Rural Affairs Secretary Gillian Martin and agriculture minister Jim Fairlie – will attend a breakfast event organised by Quality Meat Scotland and meet leading figures from the National Farmers Union Scotland, before visiting a range of stalls at the show.
He hailed the annual event as a “world-class showcase of Scotland’s high-quality farming, food and drink”.
Mr Swinney added he is “delighted to be meeting so many people who play key roles in our agriculture sector”, saying he will be “discussing how my Government can help farmers to thrive”.
The First Minister said: “Our country’s farming and food and drink sectors are renowned around the world and accounts for some of Scotland’s most iconic exports.
“It is also at the heart of our economy, sustaining businesses and employment across the length and breadth of the country – including in rural areas and islands where farms and crofts often form the foundation of communities.
“We committed to taking forward the Rural Renewal Bill within our first 100 days of Government, and we are delivering on that.
“Beginning engagement on it will provide the opportunity to work with rural communities and business, delivering the legislation they need to help our rural and island communities grasp the opportunities before them.
“I am pleased that we will soon begin this engagement on this legislation which will help our rural and island communities reach their potential.
“Rural Scotland can be assured that as First Minister, I will work tirelessly to champion their interests.”