Scottish Budget announcement

The Finance secretary has announced a draft budget for 2013 / 2014. John Swinney has said the actions the Scottish Government will take this autumn will provide further investment in construction, skills and the green economy.

John Swinney pledged £180m over two years for construction, skills and employment and a green economic stimulus.

He confirmed a more rapid delivery of the Schools for the Future programme worth £80m and an initiative to create up to 10,000 job opportunities for young Scots.

The Budget keeps the Government's commitments to a council tax freeze, police numbers, no tuition fees, free prescriptions, concessionary travel, and NHS budget protection.

He confirmed a 1% increase for most Government and NHS employees, more support for the low paid and no compulsory redundancies.

Scotland's bracing itself for cuts as Finance Minister John Swinney prepares to set out his budget to MSPs this afternoon. He says he'll prioritise jobs and growth. He claims he's facing the toughest financial settlement from Westminster since devolution. Kathryn Samson sent this report.

Borders Chamber of Commerce director Bruce Simpson says the budget must do more to help rural areas. He says there needs to be an emphasis on infrastructure, particularly railway links, roads and communication, through providing better broadband.

John Swinney is expected to announce further tax relief for small businesses in today's Scottish Budget. Ken Wilkinson runs Borders Mobility in Selkirk and says it is vital that taxes are lowered for local shops.