SCOTTISH First Minister Jack McConnell told the STUC conference yesterday that Scotland faced three big choices in the current election campaign - on the economy, on public services and on the issue of population decline.
"Gone are the days that Scotland only attracted inward investors on the quantity of the work," he said.
"Now, it is the quality of the work and the skills of the workforce that are determinants for foreign investment."
Mr McConnell insisted that manufacturing in Scotland has a future - with the help of the STUC.
"Our national advisory service on manufacturing, proposed by the Scottish unions, will be up and running by autumn this year."
But the first minister warned that population decline is one of the greatest threats to Scotland's future success.
"While other countries are closing their borders, Scotland must open its arms to a generation of new Scots from across the world," he insisted.
Mr McConnell also praised the STUC support for the Scottish Executive's agenda to tackle sectarianism.
"It is so important that you, the trade unions of Scotland, speak up against the prejudice and bigotry that is displayed through sectarian hatred," he said.
"It is a tough issue to tackle - but I am convinced we are doing the right thing," Mr McConnell added.
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