An opportunity for our islands

I am sure we, as islanders, will be delighted to ‎see the commitment made in the SNP manifesto to taking forward an Islands Bill in the next parliament. This is an exciting opportunity for us to protect our unique status as well to secure maximum benefits for our communities.

Even more encouraging was the statement that there is still time to influence the details of the Bill as it goes through Holyrood. To this end I am seeking your support in the upcoming Scottish election to elect me as your Independent MSP‎.

I am the only independent candidate from an island authority on the Regional List and the first independent candidate for 13 years. It would be my commitment to ‎pursue not just an Islands Bill but also an Islands Deal that would provide for us in the same way that some Scottish cities have been by this government.

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Voting for me does not mean you cannot vote for your favoured constituency candidate as well. A vote for me is a vote to add a further local voice for these Islands in Parliament: a voice that would support and pressure the new government as and when its policies directly impact the Highlands and Islands. I believe, therefore, that I am every islander’s best choice on the Regional List ballot on 5 May.

James Stockan
Independent list candidate for the Highlands and Islands
Stromness