News / A voice for the isles in the SNP
RECENTLY elected Highlands and Islands list MSP Maree Todd has vowed to represent the interests of the northern isles within the SNP group and provide a direct link to the Scottish government.
With the SNP winning all Highlands and Islands constituencies apart from Orkney and Shetland, where Liberal Democrats Liam McArthur and Tavish Scott were returned with huge majorities, Todd is the only SNP list parliamentarian representing the whole Highlands and Islands area.
The clinical pharmacist from Strathpeffer, who has a particular interest in improving health provision across the region, said she was planning to visit Shetland this month “to hold a surgery and meet key people”.
She said: “In Orkney and Shetland there is a particular role in terms of being a link to the government and I am very keen to explore that.”
Todd reaffirmed the Scottish government commitment to reduce ferry fares during this parliament, and added that she fully expected to play a part in that process.
“Transport is a huge issue all around the highlands and islands.
“I am keen to look at these common themes and I will definitely have a particular eye as to what is required for Orkney and Shetland, so that the islands have representation within the SNP group in parliament.
“Transport is key throughout the area and I am keen to work with the new transport and islands minister Humza Yousaf.”
Referring to the introduction of cheaper road equivalent tarriff rates to the west coast ferries, she said the western isles were economically in a very different position than relatively well off Orkney and Shetland.
But there was a recognition in government that cheaper ferry fares would make a huge difference economically to fragile island communities, she said.
“There is an absolute commitment to see the highlands and island flourish.
“Living in a remote area doesn’t mean that you are not benefiting from Scottish government policy.”
She said there were some major changes afoot to the way health care was being applied to rural Scotland.
Attracting and retaining GPs was an issue that affected every rural area in Scotland and was not restricted to just the islands.
She said one way of freeing up GPs’ time to allow them to do what they are trained to do would be “upskilling” the whole team of health professionals.
“The primary care GPs’ role will change, they will do the things that only doctors can do, and other health professionals will be brought forward fulfilling their potential and enhancing the services. I see this as a key to improving health care.
“There are several other health professionals that are taking on new roles and I think that is to be commended – this will really help in terms of rural health.
“There is no doubts that there will be changes in primary care and I am sure we will end up with a better quality service.”
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