Referendum campaign launch looked like a damp squib to me
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I am sure this will go a long way to ensuring people are well represented. Both Roger Saxon and Neil MacDonald will work hard for the area and I am looking forward to working with them both.
We saw recently the launch of the referendum campaign by those who wish to separate from the UK. It did look like a bit of a damp squib to me – but then maybe I’m biased!
However, what I cannot understand is the lack of detail available on what this will mean for Scotland. This detail is required so that people can make up their minds how to vote based on a realistic proposition.
I was amazed at question time last week, when Johann Lamont questioned the First Minister on this and it transpires that he has not carried out any preparatory work with the Bank of England – the bank that he wishes to be the lender of last resort should Scotland become a separate country.
The SNP Government has been shouting about the referendum for years but has not given any thought at all to the detail of the separation agreement, or indeed the systems that will be required to make the country work.
I am also concerned about what it will mean for the renewable energy industry. There is great potential for this development in the Pentland Firth. Currently all energy bill payers in the UK subsidise this industry to ensure that it has the finance it requires to develop.
In Scotland we already have 30 per cent of the UK’s renewable electricity generation. However, we only have 10 per cent of the population. If the subsidy levels are to be met, that means that bills will have to go up by a very large amount.
However, if the Government cannot or will not guarantee these payments, development will stall.
It is reckless to play with the economic future of our nation in this way, but now that they have decided on this course of action they need to answer the questions that will bring stability and not stop development.
On a happier note, I’m delighted that the Olympic torch will come to John O’Groats, underlining the iconic stature of the village.
I really hope the redevelopment of the area will mean that we can capitalise on the publicity this will bring to boost our tourism industry and with it the local economy.
We now need to ensure that the journey is not a barrier to tourism – that is why I have tabled questions about the improvements to the Berriedale Braes. This part of the A9 is probably the poorest and improvements will benefit the economy of the North as a whole.
