Caithness flights could be ‘transformative’ with longer term backing
I am delighted that the PSO for the Wick to Aberdeen flights will continue and congratulate Highland Council for their work on this matter.
This is a lifeline flight that connects Caithness to the north-east and beyond. Without it, it will take over five hours to get to Aberdeen, Edinburgh or Glasgow, effectively cutting off the region from major cities.
I have voiced my support for this flight in previous Caithness Courier columns and in the Scottish Parliament chamber and I am delighted that the Scottish Government will continue to support it.
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However, I would like to see a long term commitment to the flight – beyond a year. It would also be fantastic to see more routes added for Caithness. For example having flights to Edinburgh, Glasgow and even possibly London. How fantastic and transformative that would be! We should look at sharing flights with other airports to make these flights cost effective.
Talking of transformation, social care within the community is depleting and it requires to be addressed by NHS Highland.
Last month, I met with Hubs United Group (HUG) which are a group of community hubs across Caithness and Sutherland who provide various services for local residents including day care for the elderly. They have been battling against the health board for years to receive adequate funding, including an uplift in funding to reflect inflation.
These types of organisations are the beating heart of their community and are valued assets, especially when we are seeing care home closures and delayed discharge across the region.
NHS Highland should be implementing this model across Highland and investing in hubs. This model – along with adequate residential care – is fundamental when facing an ageing demographic and centralised services.
I will work to liaise with NHS Highland and Highland Council on this matter as it is vital that these organisations have a secure future.
The Stage 1 debate on the Land Reform Bill passed in Parliament last week. This is the first hurdle for a Bill. The next stages provide the opportunity to amend the Bill. My Scottish Labour colleagues and I will use this opportunity to amend and strengthen the Bill.
It is important that communities have a say on land use and the opportunity to influence local development, especially for public services and housing. Land is an economic lever which must be used for the public good.
Lastly, I wish to send my condolences to all those who knew Christina McKelvie MSP, especially to her family and loved ones after her sad passing.
She was a valued MSP who was respected across political lines. She battled breast cancer with her normal determination and cheerfulness. She will be missed in the Scottish Parliament.
Rhoda Grant is a Scottish Labour MSP for the Highlands and Islands.
