Lib Dems offer solutions to north’ s unique issues

The Liberal Democrats are seeking to overcome challenges and provide solutions to longterm Highland problems should voters place their faith in the party’s candidates on May 5.

The party states that the Highland Council region is unique and differs from every other part of Scotland.

Due to this, they say, the area requires different solutions and services.

The party states: “One size does not fit all and we need to be flexible.”

The party says it has led the recovery process for the Highlands for the past two years. It says there is a need to improve attainment levels in schools. Calls have also been made for investment into roads.

The party also wishes to address the “longest ever waits for medical appointments”, as well as the climate emergency.

Reliable and effective public transport, the need for additional social housing, and easily accessible care at home for the elderly are other key areas the party is seeking to address.

With the current energy crisis a key point for all parties, the Lib Dems are no different, with rises in energy costs, and inflation, driving people into poverty.

The party promises that, if elected, candidates will increase the year-on-year amount allocated to the revenue roads budget beyond the £60 million pledged by Highland Council.

Schools are a big motivating factor for the party.

Providing new education facilities, like those planned in Tain, Nairn, Broadford and Ness Castle, will be supported, alongside addressing overcrowding issues at the likes of Culloden Academy. The party also promises to improve the condition of rural schools.

The party pledges to lobby the Scottish Government to improve national guidelines to fund more secondary teachers, allowing for smaller class sizes to allow more one-onone time with youngsters.

A promise of greater care for the elderly is made by the party, who seek to ensure that every elderly person in need has access to care at home.

The need and want for more affordable housing across the Highlands is also listed as a key priority.

The Lib Dems promise to build more council houses across the region, enabling young people to continue to live in their villages and towns and not have to leave.

The Lib Dems also promise to work with businesses and agencies to provide well-paid jobs across the Highlands, in a bid to reverse the depopulation trend.

Transport is high on the agenda of the Liberals with urgent discussions called for with community transport organisations and national providers such as Stagecoach.

Addressing rising costs to households by providing increased investment in welfare services is one way the Lib Dems say they will ensure people are “not left stranded and at serious risk of poverty”.

Sustainable ways of managing and improving waste recycling are mooted to ensure the Highlands plays its part in addressing the challenges of climate change.

A total of 142 candidates have put their names forward for election on May 5.

Seventy-one seats are up for grabs across 20 multimember wards.

One ward has already been determined as only three candidates came forward for the threemember ward of Caol and Mallaig.

The full breakdown of allegiances to parties is as follows: Independent – 40. Other – 12. Scottish Conservative and Unionist – 21. Scottish Green – 11. Scottish Labour Party – 14.

Scottish Liberal Democrats – 21.

Scottish National Party (SNP) – 23.

PRIORITIES: The party will address the ‘longest-ever’ wait for medical appointments and the need for reliable and effective public transport.