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RHODA GRANT: My visit to Caithness highlighted positive work in communities





Holyrood Notebook by Rhoda Grant

The Greenhouses project in Thurso is run by the Community Development Trust. Picture: DGS
The Greenhouses project in Thurso is run by the Community Development Trust. Picture: DGS

Since my last column we have experienced a general election which saw a welcome change of government in Westminster.

I think all parties got one clear message from this general election – that Scottish people want change. After 14 years of Tory chaos and 17 years of SNP incompetence, I am excited to see what this Labour government does to deliver positive change to working people.

I congratulate Eva Kestner for her campaign for Scottish Labour in the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross constituency. She is a good friend and I hope she has a bright political future.

A couple of weeks ago, I visited Caithness to catch up and engage with organisations, charities and campaigners. The weather was fantastic, which added to the enjoyment.

It was a valuable visit and I came away with some important messages that I will be sure to push in the Scottish parliament chamber.

While visiting Wick Harbour Authority, I saw the potential that is possible for Caithness. The harbour is currently busy and thriving – however, approximately two-thirds of it is underutilised. With further investment and planning, this harbour can develop further, secure extra work and bring even more jobs to Wick and Caithness.

What is concerning, though, is the accessibility to services for these people who will be coming to the area in the next few years. This was underpinned by the Caithness Health Action Team and Caithness Roads Recovery.

The population decline could be partially addressed by encouraging these workers to stay, and make a home, in Caithness. That requires decent, affordable housing for these workers and their families and, additionally, childcare which I understand is scarcely available.

Accessibility to healthcare is also a serious concern. They will require GP services and dentistry services. These essential services are incredibly stretched already. This impending increase in population could cause serious problems if there is not adequate planning.

That is why I am going to ask NHS Highland what action they are taking now in the knowledge that future pressures are coming.

Lastly, I saw the positive work that local people do for their communities. I saw this at the Greenhouses in Thurso where I met the Thurso Community Development Trust and their volunteers. Walking through the thriving greenery and hearing about how this project tackles social isolation, poor mental health and provides people of various ages and ability purpose and community was inspiring.

This work also provided reward as they grow beautiful flowers, fruit and vegetables. These can then be sold for a donation and that goes back into the project, making gardening accessible to those who maybe cannot afford buying from garden centres.

I wish them all the best for the future and I thank Helen for showing me around!

I thank all the organisations and people I met and I look forward to my next constituency visit to Caithness.

Labour MSP Rhoda Grant.
Labour MSP Rhoda Grant.

• Rhoda Grant is a Highlands and Islands Labour MSP.


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