RHODA GRANT: Services must be maintained and improved in Caithness
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I wish you all a Happy New Year.
I hope that things improve, both nationally and internationally, in 2024.
The UK desperately requires change to tackle NHS waiting times, schooling standards and poverty.
I hope the General Election sees the beginning of that change.
One indicator of the need for change is a recent report from Highland Council.
This report assessed future population challenges to the Highland region following the 2022 census.
This highlighted some shocking trends including a severe population decline in Caithness and Sutherland by 2040.
This will not come as a surprise to anyone.
For years Caithness has faced a decline in services and I believe it is driving people away to other parts of the Highlands and beyond.
There are many issues that need to be tackled to stop this trend.
Two of the most important ones, in my opinion, are that health provisions need to be available closer to home and local services need to be protected.
That is why, before recess, I met with the Transport Minister to make the case for the Wick PSO flights to Aberdeen with MSP colleagues.
This PSO was introduced as Covid struck and needs more time to show its full impact.
There has been an increase in passenger numbers and I believe demand will increase.
No decision has been made however, I think it is worth noting that there are few occasions where local MSPs and MPs – from across the political spectrum – come together to fight for a service and that is the case with the PSO.
I would urge people to use this service.
It is faster than the alternatives and provides access to onward flights from Aberdeen.
The old adage is “use it or lose it”.
In addition to protecting transport services, the Scottish Government should also do all that they can to protect banking services.
In November, Bank of Scotland announced that they are going to end mobile branch services across Scotland.
These mobile branches serve many rural communities including Bonar Bridge and Lairg.
Mobile phone banking is not accessible to everyone.
Elderly customers, disabled customers and very young customers will not necessarily be able to use mobile phone banking and thus will either have to travel miles to reach such services or not be able to access them at all.
Although this is a commercial decision, I believe ending this service is wrong and both Scottish Government and Westminster government should intervene to protect banking services.
I hope to secure a debate on the matter in the Scottish Parliament.
To end this column, I wish to signpost anyone who is struggling financially during this Christmas and New Year period to the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Additionally if you are struggling mentally, please do not hesitate to reach out to a loved one or alternatively text or call a charity such as Mikeysline (07786 20 77 55) or Samaritans (116 123).
Asking for help is the first step to making the situation so much better.
n Rhoda Grant is a Labour MSP for the Highlands and Islands.
