This is the most pivotal election in Scotland’s history

ELECTION PROFILE: Karl Rosie, Scottish National Party candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross

With just four weeks to go until we hit the polls, I wanted to use this opportunity to introduce myself as the SNP candidate for the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross constituency, and let you know how I would best serve our community.

As your local MP, you can expect a positive, inclusive approach to getting things done. Being Caithness born and bred, I’m confident that my knowledge of local issues will support me well in representing our brilliant constituency.

As councillor for the Thurso and Northwest Caithness ward, I have led on tackling social inequality issues such as substance use in adolescents. I proposed the implementation of initiatives such as the Icelandic model which looks at increasing state funding to give focus to reducing known factors that lead to substance use. This includes establishing a range of parental, school and community protective factors such as organised sport, music, art, dance and other clubs.

While drug use is a local, national and global issue, between January 1 and March 31 this year there was a total of 11 drug-related deaths in our area alone. This is an unbearable loss to our community and it’s time for action. Should I be elected as your MP, you have my word that I will fight to ensure drug policy is devolved to Scotland.

As councillor, I have led on tackling social inequality issues such as substance use in adolescents.

People in the area may also be aware that as a councillor I was able to secure significant investment from the Scottish Government which will lead to the launch of healthcare hubs in Wick and Thurso, along with the refurbishment and redesign of Caithness General Hospital. This is just the start and as your MP I will continue to strive for what’s best for our community.

I’m passionate about building stronger links between the renewable energy industry and our communities to emulate the models of meaningful provision by our European Union and Scandinavian neighbours – with fit-for-purpose, modern, integrated transport infrastructure and public services. A thriving renewables industry would not only increase employment opportunities but also address the need to repopulate our area.

And of course we must reap the benefits of our contribution, so I will be sure to demand lower energy prices for our community, ending the absurdity of fuel poverty in an area that has untapped renewable energy resources and avoiding the historical mistakes made with our oil and gas resources.

There is no denying that broadband connectivity in our area is insufficient. Superfast broadband isn’t a need, it’s a must. I am committed to securing faster broadband for our constituency and creating a level playing field to stimulate new business and employment opportunities for our communities.

There is no doubt that this is the most pivotal election in Scotland’s history and the stakes could not be higher. The devastating implications of Brexit to Scotland are abundantly clear and our choice must be respected. Rural communities in the Highlands will suffer, putting industries such as farming and fisheries at risk while threatening our future wellbeing and economic growth.

Backing the SNP and voting for me as your MP on December 12 is a vote to escape Brexit and put Scotland’s future in Scotland’s hands.

• Karl Rosie is the SNP candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross in next month’s general election. All five candidates in the constituency have been invited to take part in our Election Profile series in the John O’Groat Journal and Caithness Courier, in print and online.

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