TWO local MSPs are backing proposals for a new Scottish Visa to address a wide range of issues affecting Fife and set to be made worse by Brexit going into action on Friday.

Under plans announced by the First Minister, migrants who want to live in Scotland could choose to apply for a Scottish Visa, or one of the existing immigration routes offered by the UK Government.

Both Cowdenbeath MSP Annabelle Ewing and Kinglassie MSP Jenny Gilruth feel that it is important that some sort of mechanism is in place to make it easier for migrants to come to Fife as they have played a valuable role in making the Kingdom economy successful/

All of Scotland's population growth for the next 25 years is projected to come from migration. However, new UK Government immigration controls and the end of free movement after Brexit are expected to exacerbate the risk of skills gaps and labour shortages in Scotland.

Ms Ewing and Ms Gilruth feel that without migration, Fife could face a demographic crisis that could hammer public services like the NHS – with an ageing population leaving Scotland with fewer working-age taxpayers.

A cross-party report by Holyrood’s Finance Committee found that, without additional powers for the Scottish Parliament, Scottish public spending may be put at risk by demographic changes.

Ms Ewing said: “Brexit, and the end of freedom of movement, poses a huge risk to our economy and public services in my Cowdenbeath constituency.

“It is vital for this area’s future prosperity that we continue to attract people to live and work here. Migrants make hugely valuable contributions to our economy, public services, and communities – and that must continue.

“The one-size-fits-all approach by the UK Government ignores Scotland’s needs and could put at risk our ability to fund public services like the NHS".

Ms Gilruth added: “UK Government proposals to end freedom of movement and put in place inappropriate salary and skills requirements for all migrants would be disastrous for our economy and society and would risk acute labour shortages.

“These sensible Scottish Government proposals, in line with other regional migration systems such as in Canada and Australia, would give us the ability to create a system which secures our future prosperity.

“If the UK Government refuses to deliver that plan it will yet again underline the urgent need for Scotland to take these decisions for ourselves.”