North MSP Rhoda Grant accused of misunderstanding SNP and Scottish Greens power-sharing agreement

A NORTH politician has been accused of misunderstanding the power-sharing agreement between the SNP and the Scottish Greens after claiming it "sold out the Highlands and Islands."

Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, said the deal will have a major impact on plans to centralise air traffic control services in Inverness – a move widely opposed by many staff, the Prospect union and politicians. Under the proposal mooted by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL), Wick John O' Groats airport would be one of two to be downgraded while air traffic control services at its other airports will be operated remotely from Inverness.

Mrs Grant, a Highlands and Islands MSP and the Shadow Minister for Land Reform and the Islands, says the Scottish Greens have agreed to follow the SNP's lead regarding aviation in the Highlands and Islands although that does not apply to other issues. The Greens have an opt-out on policies they don't agree with.

However, Green MSP, Ariane Burgess, took issue with the claim and said: "My support for the workers at HIAL’s airports remains firm, as does my opposition to centralised air traffic control.

"While the Scottish Greens have long since criticised the environmentally destructive aviation industry, we have also always recognised the need for lifeline air routes to serve communities in the Highlands and Islands which is why HIAL is specifically mentioned in the agreement.

"Unfortunately, Mrs Grant has misunderstood the nature of the deal between the Scottish Greens and the SNP. It will allow us to co-operate productively, delivering real benefit for people and communities across Scotland, while acknowledging that our parties will not always agree on everything," added the Highlands and Islands MSP.

Mrs Grant said the deal between the parties will enable the Scottish Government to "force through controversial changes that would see jobs centralised in Inverness and a significant loss of local knowledge."

"By allowing this as an exemption, the Scottish Greens have indicated that they too are now aware but aren’t particularly concerned with issues affecting the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, but are willing to sell out a huge swathe of the country if it means they can get the SNP’s scraps."

She added: "Of further concern is what this indicates about the Scottish Government’s level of respect for parliamentary process. A petition from local communities asking the Air Traffic Management Scheme to be halted while independent assessments are undertaken is currently before the petitions committee. By including the Highlands and Islands as an exemption whereby the Greens must fall in line, Scottish Government are indicating that they know a contentious decision is on the horizon and want to be able to shepherd it through despite any and all logical and well-informed protests.

"It is clear that the Scottish Greens have no intention of properly vetting policies in relation to the Highlands and Islands and are happy to allow the SNP to run roughshod over the communities there."

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