Tory backs campaign

TORY list MSP Mary Scanlon has welcomed the new Our Islands – Our Future campaign by the three Scottish island authorities.

Speaking on Tuesday, a day after the campaign’s launch via videolink across Scotland, Scanlon described the campaign as “a welcome and positive move”.

She said the Scottish government lacked an understanding of islanders’ needs, including the ability to sustain employment and industry.

Citing the “road equivalent tariff debacle for hauliers in the western isles”, she said the island groups shared many concerns including high transport charges.

“A concerted campaign will give them a more powerful voice in Government than speaking individually,” she said.

She also called for the authorities to coordinate their demands with national bodies like the NHS, the Scottish Ambulance Service and the new single police and fire authorities.

“Whilst the three council groups can speak with one voice, there is a need to ensure that the single, Scotland-wide, police and fire and rescue services will not lead to any diminution of service to the islands and the people who need these services,” she said.