Alex Salmond set to host a public meeting on the ‘future of the Highlands’ including the A9
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Former First Minister Alex Salmond is set to host a public meeting to address “critical” concerns in the Highlands including the housing crisis, depopulation, local government reform and the long-awaited completion of the A9.
Joining him at the event at the Chieftain Hotel on March 25 at 19.00 will be Highland Councillor Karl Rosie who recently left the SNP because he was “increasingly disillusioned” and joined the Alba Party.
Mr Rosie’s decision to join the pro-independence party, in part, stemmed from his vision of utilising his new platform to advocate for a comprehensive Highlands Manifesto.
This manifesto aims to tackle the critical issues confronting Highland communities head-on as Cllr Rosie said: "There is a growing feeling amongst Highlanders that our communities are an afterthought for both the London and Edinburgh governments.”
And he will do so aided by the now independent and former SNP Western Isles MP Angus Brendan MacNeil who talked of the party being “asleep at the wheel” by failing to tackle such issues with the powers that they have.
The A9 again hit the headlines after transport minister Fiona Hyslop indicated that she could not guarantee the 2035 deadline because “things can happen,” leaving many shaking their heads.
"The duelling of the A9 was a solemn commitment of my government starting in 2007 with a timetable set out in 2011. That timetable set the completion of the A9 of 2025,” said Mr Salmond.
"The contract awards for this project were made in 2014 which gave 11 years to complete the road, which was more than enough time.
“A battery of excuses have been given by the SNP-Green Government, none of which hold any water. This cannot be allowed to stand.”
Councillor Rosie said: "There is a growing feeling amongst Highlanders that our communities are an afterthought for both the London and Edinburgh Governments.
"I am committed to bringing forward a Highland manifesto that addresses many of our concerns, whether that be our crumbling infrastructure, the threat of depopulation or the housing crisis.
"I'll take the opportunity of this meeting to listen to the ideas put forward and incorporate as many of them as I can into the manifesto.
“It's well past time that our politicians take notice, and I'm grateful to the ALBA Party for providing me with this opportunity.”
The meeting will take place at 7 pm on Monday 25th of March at the Chieftain Hotel and will provide those in attendance with the opportunity to feed into Cllr Rosie's manifesto.
