RHODA GRANT: Signs of hope in recent moves – but is it enough?
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Spring is trying its hardest to break through. The slightly warmer weather and longer days give an air of positivity and hope.
This month, I was delighted to see funding continue for the Wick Public Service Obligation (PSO) flight to Aberdeen.
This is a vital service for health provision, business provision and tourism and I welcome this commitment to continue funding for a further year.
It will add security and benefits to the fragility of Caithness transport links – which we know can often be closed off in winter months and in adverse weather.
This has been a rare campaign that has seen support from almost all corners of the political spectrum and across all sectors in the community.
That is credit to the service and lifeline provision it provides to Caithness.
I hope we can now attract more flights arriving and departing from Wick Airport.
I would love to see it the airport link to other locations in throughout the country and beyond.
Due to the long journey times by road and rail, I truly hope that we see its popularity grow and its future secure.
Talking of travel and connectivity, I welcome the extra £60 million that has potentially been found by Highland Council to tackle the backlog of potholes and road repairs. Although it will not solve all the road repairs required across Highland and Caithness, I hope it will go some way to improving the state of the roads.
According to reports, Highland Council are hoping this £60m investment in road infrastructure will be a “spend money now” to “save money in the future” type investment. This is something I agree with in general terms however, local authorities and service providers have not had any spare cash recently to undertake these investment projects. I wish it success and hope it makes life a little bit easier for Caithness road users.
Highland Council, like every council, had tough choices to make regarding a diminishing budget. I have real concerns about their abolishing principal teacher roles in primary school. Education has already experienced cuts and that is already impacting on children. Investment in education is crucial and I hope, after discussions with the trade unions, they will look again at this damaging policy.
Last week in parliament, our SNP-Green government passed a chaotic budget that will see tax rises to middle earners. I despair seeing good investment such as the Wick PSO and road infrastructure be tarnished by a government who is failing to invest in wider economy growth.
All portfolios across government are facing cuts however, personally, I am saddened to see that Highland and Islands Enterprise will face a further £8m cut. This will slow down investment and development in the region which will have long lasting effects on the region’s growth and tackling depopulation.
Tackling depopulation is apparently important to this government however, this cut begs to differ. In contrast to Highland Council’s investment in roads, this all pain, no gain approach from the Scottish Government will result in further money being required in the future. It’s bad money management of taxpayers’ money.
Rhoda Grant is a Labour MSP for the Highlands and Islands.
