Willie Mackay (independent)

I HAVE been known for the past 42 years as “A.I. Willie” through my service to the local farming community.

I have represented Landward Caithness successfully for the past five years – and if you re-elect me on May 3 I intend to do even more for the rural areas of the county, its townships and villages.

For me, independency means representing the interests of the local people and not blindly toeing party-political lines. The condition of roads in the area is deplorable. I intend to keep pressure on local transport maintenance to improve the quality of the road network.

I am also greatly concerned that more adequate provision should be made for social services, care at home for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Decentralisation is a must for me, with more autonomy for rural areas away from Inverness. Recent moves for one national police force and fire service carry no benefit and cut no ice in the Far North. This gives rise to my belief that local issues and concerns should be resolved by local people and not by nebulous committees meeting in Inverness or Edinburgh.

Feeling a definite bond with the constituents of Landward Caithness, I will make sure your voice is heard by taking your issues and concerns before the council.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.