Rural areas in north Highland need immigration rules that support communities
Holyrood Notebook by Maree Todd
The UK Labour government’s decision to close the social care visa route to overseas applicants is yet another devastating blow to the Highlands’ already fragile social care sector.
Social care providers across Scotland – especially in rural areas – rely heavily on international recruitment to fill vital roles.
During the development of the immigration white paper, the Scottish Government submitted a detailed, evidence-based case highlighting the specific needs of Scotland’s care sector. But, as evidenced by this decision, Scotland’s distinct migration needs were nothing more than an afterthought for this UK Labour government.
Brexit, persistent changes to visa rules, and a hike in employers’ national insurance contributions have left the social care sector in Scotland constantly firefighting in the face of UK government decisions – decisions that have real consequences for our communities, workforce and the vulnerable people who depend on services.
Brexit highlighted Scotland’s unique reliance on EU workers, with evidence at the time showing that employers here depended more heavily on freedom of movement than in many other parts of the UK.
Its removal has had a serious and lasting impact on key sectors, our workforce, economy and public services – and those pressures are only intensifying under Labour’s immigration reforms.
The Highlands is facing a real challenge – our population is ageing, birth rates are falling, and more people are leaving than arriving. Without action, depopulation will only get worse, putting more strain on public services, our local economy and communities.
To help address population decline and workforce shortages in rural areas, the Scottish Government previously put forward proposals for a Rural Visa pilot scheme – a practical, evidence-based solution developed in partnership with local authorities and stakeholders. It aimed to attract people to live and work in rural Scotland, which would support the strengthening of public services and rural economies.
The then Tory government rejected the plan, sticking rigidly to a one-size-fits-all immigration system – a missed opportunity to respond meaningfully to Scotland’s specific population needs. Sadly, not surprising from a government that showed nothing but contempt for Scotland.
Now, we are seeing the UK Labour government take the same approach – showing little regard for Scotland and doubling down on an immigration system that simply doesn’t work for our rural communities.
In amongst all the doom and gloom, it was a real boost to visit Halkirk and Raey primary schools last week to celebrate their Gold Sports Award win. What an incredible achievement – it’s clear how much hard work has gone in from staff, pupils, and the wider school community to make sports and physical activity a big part of everyday school life.
It’s great to see schools in Caithness leading the way and creating such supportive, active environments for young people to thrive. Massive congratulations to both schools – this is something the whole community can be proud of.
The following day, I was back in Caithness for the dedication of the Skinnet Stone in Halkirk – a beautifully hand-carved replica of a Pictish stone by the incredibly talented sculptor David McGovern. The craftsmanship is outstanding, full of rich detail and meaning.
The original stone is on display at the North Coast Visitor Centre in Thurso and is well worth seeing. It was fantastic to see a strong community turnout at the dedication, too, reflecting the pride people feel in celebrating their local history and heritage.
• Maree Todd is the SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross.