Letters / A breath of fresh air
Since the SNP MSPs replaced the Liberal Democrats in Argyll and Bute, policy focus and investment have shifted in a way that has seen considerable improvement for both residents and businesses, especially toward housing, regeneration, connectivity, and rural economic resilience.
Housing
Expanded affordable, energy-efficient housing supply has eased shortages, reduced fuel poverty, and supported population retention in rural and remote Argyll and Bute.
Economy & Jobs
The Rural Growth Deal and enterprise funding boosted local employment, skills, tourism, and business infrastructure across remote communities.
Community & Regeneration
Targeted regeneration investment revitalised town centres, cultural assets, and community facilities, strengthening local pride and economic resilience.
Transport & Connectivity
Strategic commitments improved rural connectivity through transport and infrastructure investment, supporting access to services, structuring public transport to fit community needs, improving jobs, and markets.
Relevance to Shetland
Similar place-based investment in housing, transport, and local enterprise would help Shetland tackle depopulation, high living costs, and connectivity challenges.
By pairing infrastructure funding with community-led regeneration and skills development, Shetland could strengthen its economy, retain young people, and sustain essential services in a remote island context that is not so different from that of Argyll and Bute.
After decades of Lib Dems, the SNP are bringing a breath of fresh air to what was a stalled and declining economy, the improvements are there for all to see. The Lib Dems time is over, it’s time for Scotland to take control of itself.
David Meddes
Sandwick
