Etings to all our readers
looks to extract itself from the European Union, the rights and wrongs of those proceedings have been debated vigorously across all countries of the United Kingdom.
I hope as we head into a New Year it gives us all time to come together and remember that despite any differences of opinion it is important to love and respect one another no matter your beliefs or where you are from.
What I believe to be important over Christmas and New Year is to take stock and spend time with those who are closest to us. The festive season is a time for family, friends and celebrating what is best about humanity – the love we have for each other. I will be spending the time at home with my wife Ann and our children on our croft on the isle of Skye. Whatever plans you have, I wish you all a safe and enjoyable time with your loved ones, where ever you may be. As an MSP representing the Highlands and Islands – half the land mass of Scotland – I spend a lot of time travelling the length and breadth of the country. It’s a pleasure and a privilege and I look forward to covering even more ground in 2019. One of the best parts of my job is getting to meet all the do-ers everywhere I go. The people who are working hard all over the country to make their communities better. Thank you for all the work you do.
In a year that has been politically dominated by Brexit, it can sometimes feel like nothing else gets done. Yet, in the last 12 months I am proud of how my Scottish Green Party colleagues and I have made life better for communities throughout the Highlands and Islands.
At the beginning of the year, we struck a historic budget agreement, delivering more than £27 million for councils in the region.
The Scottish Parliament passed its first Social Security Bill, ensuring that the limited welfare powers devolved to Scotland are delivered in a spirit of dignity and respect. Green amendments ensured the hated medical assessments will not be included in the Scottish system.
I am also proud to have played a role in scrutinising the Domestic Abuse Bill, as a member of the Justice Committee, ensuring coercive and controlling behaviour is tackled in addition to physical violence.
So while the antics down at Westminster fill the headlines, there is much work going on to improve the lives for the people of Scotland.
In 2019 I look forward to working on the Transport Bill to deliver better bus services for rural communities and taking forward my own bill to provide children with equal protection from assault. I hope everyone is able to enjoy some time off over the festive period and thank those who work in our public services at what can often be a challenging time. Christmas is a special time of the year, where we can all pause our busy lives for a day, take stock of the year that has past, spend time with family and friends and celebrate the wondrous and joyous occasion of the birth of Jesus.
It is also the time of giving and receiving gifts and as we frantically go out and find the perfect presents for our loved ones, we should all take a moment to consider buying from our local shops.
It is true that in years gone by, the rise of online shopping has had a significant effect on our high streets. While for many of us online shopping can be more convenient, let’s not forget the abundance of unique, local shops across Lochaber.
Finally, it has to be said that we’ve witnessed a turbulent and divisive year in politics.
For that reason, and for others, it’s all the more important we come together and recognise the central Christmas message of peace and goodwill to all men and women. I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.