Mr Halcro Johnston turns discussion to broadband investment.

Caroll Buxton explains the forecast spend was lower but all the contractual targets were met.

She adds spending is continuing beyond the original period of the contract, using the underspend to deliver more.

"It's delivered more with less money."

We had set a minimum of 75% coverage except for the Western Isles, for which the minimum was 70% to reflect the challenging geography, Ms Buxton explains.

The HIE representative confirms these have been met and exceeded, with the Western Isles at 78% coverage and the highest local authority, Moray, at 92%.

Tory MSP Jamie Halcro Johnson asks how the reduction in budget has impacted on the work of HIE.

Nick Kenton from HIE replies saying the budget has been relatively stable in recent years.

He says there is a slight reduction in spending power.

Image source, bbc

Mr Halcro Johnson now asks how many jobs have been created over the last year.

HIE chief executive Charlotte Wright explains 981 jobs were created, with the majority being created through the account managed portfolio.

Carroll Buxton from HIE adds the target range was between 800 and 1200.

Ms Wright concludes saying HIE has met all its employment targets in the last year.

Firstly we are hearing from representatives from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE):

• chief executive Charlotte Wright
• Nick Kenton
• Carroll Buxton

The economy committee will shortly take evidence from the new Scottish Enterprise chief executive and representatives of Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

First up MSPs will quiz:

• Highlands and Islands Enterprise, external chief executive Charlotte Wright
• Nick Kenton from HIE
• Carroll Buxton from HIE

Image source, PA

The committee will then hear from

• Scottish Enterprise, external chief executive Steve Dunlop
• Iain Scott from Scottish Enterprise
• Linda Hanna from Scottish Enterprise

Here's the papers for today's committee., external

Image source, Getty Images

Good morning and welcome to Holyrood Live on Tuesday 25 September 2018.

The economy committee will be taking evidence from the enterprise agencies as part of its pre-budget scrutiny, looking at how the public purse has been used to boost the economy.

It will be the first appearance of Scottish Enterprise's new chief executive Steve Dunlop. He will face questions on how grants are allocated to companies and the conditions around these - including whether companies will have to pay the living wage, ban zero-hours contracts and provide in-work training.

After topical questions, the government will give a ministerial statement on its mental health strategy.

It will then lead a debate entitled ‘Scotland’s Role in the Development of Future UK Trade Arrangements’.

The member’s debate focuses on Eye Health Week 2018.