Independence & The Highlands by Councillor David Fallows

Independence and The Highlands

There would be some who would claim - indeed, have already claimed - that an independent Scotland would be no better for the Highlands than a Westminster Government - that the Central Belt would dominate. Well, let's start with a bit of that usual refreshing honesty that is the hallmark of SNP Politics from the leader down.

Of course the Central Belt is important to the future of Scotland, and must have its fair share of resources and attention from Government. It is a power house of the Scottish economy, and, let's not forget, where the majority of people live.

So does that by definition mean that the Highlands get the dregs, or a cursory look from afar? Of course not! Even now, we can already see the attention being given to the Highlands. The announcements of programmes to dual not just the A9, but also the A96 from Inverness to Aberdeen are to be especially welcomed, after all the years of labour and libdem coalition rule, which achieved nothing but a few bits of 2+1 overtaking lane.

The present Holyrood Government's support for renewable energy initiatives in Highland is also testament to the fact that the Highlands stand to benefit massively from Independence. We're not just taking about a plethora of onshore wind farms here, either. The real future of renewable energy lies not onshore, but offshore, via wind, wave and tidal generation. Highland has that offshore resource in abundance, and can benefit to the full from harnessing it. And Highland also has three of the best possible locations for the construction of the equipment needed. Most obviously apparent of those is Nigg, on the Cromarty Firth - once a thriving oil rig construction yard, where, with the active encouragement of the SNP government, moves are already in course to bring many new construction jobs back to the Inner Moray Firth area. And Highland has two other former oil rig construction sites, ideally suited to hook into the prosperity that the energy revolution can bring. These are the former J Ray McDermott yard at Ardersier, and the former construction site at Kishorn, in the west.

All of these opportunities - and many more across a vast range of services and product - let alone the obvious Tourism market for Highland - can and will benefit from an independent Nation - the sixth richest per head of population in the world - a Nation not content with number six, with the confidence and will to do even better. Here in Highland I have no problem at all with the idea that the majority of Scots down in the Central Belt will actually get the attention they deserve, and a future to look forward to after years of disgraceful neglect at the hands of Westminster. I know full well that an independent Scotland, thriving, confident and prosperous will, with absolute certainty, deliver that same new future to Highland - and to every corner of this Nation come to that. We need have no truck with the prophets of doom and gloom who would talk us all down to their miserable level. The future can, will and must be better than that.

 

David Fallows is an SNP councillor in the Highland Council - http://saltire.net/