MAREE TODD: New Caithness councillors will be critical in providing local services
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Holyrood Notebook by Maree Todd
It’s just two weeks to go now until the local elections on May 5. I’m delighted to see our fantastic SNP candidates standing for re-election, Raymond Bremner in Wick and East Caithness and Karl Rosie in Thurso and Northwest Caithness.
Both Raymond and Karl have a strong record as councillors and I know they will continue to build on their successes if re-elected.
I know Raymond is keen to continue his work with groups and community councils to deliver throughout the county, including supporting the Dunbeath Day Centre, pushing for more investment in our road infrastructure and building on the successful restart of scheduled flights from Wick John O’Groats Airport.
Karl will continue his support of the redesign of health and social care services and progress the opportunity for a new education campus in Thurso.
Typically, local elections have a significantly lower turnout than Westminster and Holyrood elections. In the 2019 general election, voter turnout across the UK was 67 per cent. Similarly, in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, turnout came in at 63 per cent – a record high for a Holyrood election. Both, however, are in stark contrast to the 2017 local elections where turnout in Scotland was just 46 per cent.
To me, this figure is quite staggering when you consider the extensive list of local government responsibilities. In Scotland, local authority powers include the provision of schools, nurseries, social care, road maintenance and planning, to name just a few.
The power of local government should not be underestimated – the next intake of councillors will not only play a critical role in the delivery of public services, but they will also be the key decision-makers on projects that will be central to the future economic prosperity of the Highlands.
So, to ensure your voice is heard, exercise your democratic right to vote in the upcoming election.
I’ve enjoyed getting out and about in the constituency during the Easter recess. In between surgeries and constituency meetings, I popped by the Lyth Arts Centre to learn more about their work in the community and their upcoming projects.
The pandemic has been really tough on the creative industry, but the Scottish Government places huge value on the sector and recognises the significant economic and social contribution centres like Lyth make to areas like Caithness. With over £240 million of support provided to the culture and events sector since the beginning of the pandemic, the Scottish Government is keen to support the industry through its recovery.
Following road safety concerns around the speed of vehicles on the A9 through Latheronwheel, I held a public meeting last Tuesday to discuss what can be done to improve road safety for pedestrians and road users. I’m keen to make progress on this issue and I welcome Transport Scotland’s commitment to look at additional road safety measures to increase drivers’ awareness of the junctions and the presence of active travel facilities.
To finish, I know that following the Cabinet Secretary for Health’s statement on Moray maternity services, my constituents were keen to hear an update on the situation in Caithness.
Whilst the Best Start North Review of maternity service, which includes Caithness, is ongoing, I was pleased to hear the Cabinet Secretary commit to meeting with people in Caithness to discuss maternity services. I very much welcome the Health Secretary’s engagement on this issue and I know that conversations with the community will be invaluable.
- Maree Todd is the SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross.
