Caithness councillors vow to fight on after motion to break up Highland Council defeated by just five votes
Caithness councillors who backed a motion that would see Highland Council broken up shared their thoughts after the plan was narrowly defeated on Thursday (December 12).
As previously reported, a group of councillors had put forward a motion for a review of the local authority’s governance after widespread dissatisfaction was noted, which could have seen Highland Council broken up into smaller areas. The “bold move” was defeated by just five votes and met with disappointment by those backing the motion.
Before the vote, Thurso provost and councillor for Thurso and Northwest Caithness, Struan Mackie had asked on his Facebook page for the opinions of residents on the governance of Highland Council. He stated: “I want to hear your views, so I can represent our community in the council chamber and be your voice on this incredibly important debate.”
After the motion was defeated, he said in an update on Thursday: “The local democracy motion ‘breaking up the Highland Council’ has been defeated in the Highland Council Chamber by five votes.
“It appears that the SNP and Greens voted en-bloc to block the proposal, instead looking to ‘reform’ the Highland Council from within.
“I am very disappointed to not have been called to speak. The debate was restricted to 30 minutes and there was no support for suspending standing orders – which would have allowed the debate to continue.
“I voted for the motion and will continue to fight for a local authority that can properly represent the far north of Scotland.”
Matthew Reiss, Independent councillor for Thurso and Northwest Caithness, replied to the post stating that he believed all four Thurso councillors had voted for the “moderate, sensible and democratic review” at the Inverness meeting.
He talked about “some reasonable people within the SNP” who showed up their leader’s “incredible fear of openness and accountability”.
“I drove home feeling a bit discouraged. Then I remembered we, thankfully, have that precious thing called democracy. Results across Highland in the General Election and local by-elections have a very clear message.
“For the party of secrecy and spin their party is nearly over. Highland desperately needs politicians with the courage to actually admit their mistakes and stand up for basic rights to health, fuel and food.
“Come the Scottish Elections, as an Independent, I will be supporting candidates with these basic qualities, who will put people before party loyalty.”
Wick’s provost and councillor for Wick and East Caithness, Jan McEwan said: “Just to confirm, three councillors from Wick and East Caithness also voted for the motion.
“At this stage the motion was only asking for a review. Highland Council is two and a half times larger than Wales and they have 22 councils. Those who voted against the motion will have to face their constituents.”
Ron Gunn, councillor for the Thurso ward, also backed the motion and said: “A number of residents have already been in touch agreeing that something needs to happen to improve how Caithness is served.”
