Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
The need for planning permission could be removed for certain types of rural developments to help tackle depopulation and support the North-east economy.
The changes are being considered as part of a new action plan to implement a radical shake-up of planning laws.
Under this review, small scale developments, such as the conversion of agricultural buildings to deliver more homes in Banffshire and Buchan Coast, could automatically be given the go-ahead.
Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:
“I welcome this new action plan and think these proposed changes would be transformational for Banffshire and Buchan Coast.
“A top priority for me has always been to support and boost the local economy and help local families get the homes that they need- these new proposals seek to do exactly that.
“Locally there is still so much untapped potential and this action plan aims to help grow Scotland’s rural areas.
“The Scottish Government is committed to supporting Scotland’s farmers, promoting sustainable growth and safeguarding the long term prosperity of Scotland’s rural communities.”
“A top priority for me has always been to support and boost the local economy and help local families get the homes that they need- these new proposals seek to do exactly that.
“Locally there is still so much untapped potential and this action plan aims to help grow Scotland’s rural areas.
“The Scottish Government is committed to supporting Scotland’s farmers, promoting sustainable growth and safeguarding the long term prosperity of Scotland’s rural communities.”
