SNP bans word ‘remote’ to describe Highlands over fears it puts people off living there

THE SNP has banned the use of the word “remote” to describe the Scottish Highlands over fears it is putting people off living there.

In a new strategy to address fears that Scots are deserting rural areas because of a lack of economic opportunities, the Scottish Government said the term could fuel a “perception of peripherality”, suggesting people had to “get out to get on”. It said it would no longer refer to rural or island areas as “remote” and instead develop “new ways of understanding and referring to rurality”.

The move was met with a backlash from opposition parties, who claimed it was the SNP’s failure to deliver vital infrastructure which explained why Scots were deserting the Highlands.

The strategy went on to reference the Highland Clearances of the 18th century, claiming the impacts “are still felt in communities”. Rachael Hamilton, rural affairs spokesman for the Scottish

Tories, described the plans as “downright bizarre” and said they proved how “out of touch” ministers were.

“Rather than focusing on language, they should be focusing on finally getting a grip on the numerous areas where they have failed remote residents and communities,” Ms Hamilton added. Jamie Stone, Liberal Democrat MP for

Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, said: “People who live in the Highlands and islands have been clear about what we need. That starts with improved roads, universal fast broadband and the provision of homes so that local people are not forced out of the area.”

Emma Roddick, the SNP migration minister, said the plan would “help deliver solutions that address the needs of individual areas”.

Karl Rosie, an SNP councillor and former general election candidate, quit the party this week, saying ministers were focusing on the central belt at the expense of the rest of Scotland.