A Future for the Isles
The Western Isles face big challenges in the next decade which we must face together.
We need to have a real say in the NHS, address the educational and mental health needs of young people and face up to the welcome news that we are all living longer.
We must to stem the tide of depopulation, fix transport links, handle the transition to renewable energy on our doorsteps and tackle a housing crisis.
A Future for the Isles
The Western Isles face big challenges in the next decade which we must face together.
We need to have a real say in the NHS, address the educational and mental health needs of young people and face up to the welcome news that we are all living longer.
We must to stem the tide of depopulation, fix transport links, handle the transition to renewable energy on our doorsteps and tackle a housing crisis.
The truth is that over a decade of division on the constitution has achieved nothing for the islands.
First, there needs to be support for island businesses which have lost revenue because of ferry cancellations and more alternative vessels have to be leased urgently.
None of this is easy but years of a centralising SNP government has seen Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s funding cut by almost three times the national average as we are punished for being on the edge and for having a smaller population. The attempts to impose Highly Protected Marine Areas show we must have control of our local environment and our own share in the transition to a green future.
The islands are a great place to live and have massive potential. We have to work together to bring about a better and fairer future for all.
The one size fits all Scotland of the SNP does not work for the Western Isles. We need representatives who address the realities of island life and will lead the debate on our future.
We need change. Since being selected as the prospective Labour candidate people I have been struck by the number of people who stop to welcome me home and then then prod my shoulder to demand political change.
The truth is that over a decade of division on the constitution has achieved nothing for the islands.
First, there needs to be support for island businesses which have lost revenue because of ferry cancellations and more alternative vessels have to be leased urgently.
None of this is easy but years of a centralising SNP government has seen Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s funding cut by almost three times the national average as we are punished for being on the edge and for having a smaller population. The attempts to impose Highly Protected Marine Areas show we must have control of our local environment and our own share in the transition to a green future.
The islands are a great place to live and have massive potential. We have to work together to bring about a better and fairer future for all.
The one size fits all Scotland of the SNP does not work for the Western Isles. We need representatives who address the realities of island life and will lead the debate on our future.
Time for Change
The next general election when it comes will be about one thing – getting rid of the Tory government.
Ferry Crisis
The two ferries, five years and millions overdue, have become a symbol of the SNP government’s monumental incompetence.
Torcuil’s Message
Welcome to my campaign to win Na h-Eileanan an Iar and make the Western Isles part of a historic Labour government to change our lives for the better.