Dave Thompson MSP

I have written to the Chief Constable for Police Scotland, Sir Stephen House, to ask him to explain to the public the specific rationale behind the police force carrying side arms whilst on patrol in the Highlands.

This is an issue I have been involved with for some time, having raised the matter with the Cabinet Secretary in Parliament on May 20th this year and met along with other MSPs - Assistant Chief Constable Higgins, where the policy was described as “necessary” due to there being information that there was a credible threat to public safety.

As this is an issue of real public concern, I think it is important that the public are made aware as to the specific underlying reasons behind the firearms policy being applied in the Highlands. This is why I have taken the decision to write to Sir Stephen House to ask that on this occasion he releases details of the credible threat.

I think this would enable better understanding of the issues facing the police and go a long way to allaying the legitimate fears that the general public are expressing.

It is encouraging news that a Rural Connectivity Commission will be set up if Scotland votes for independence, to consider how to improve issues such as mobile phone and broadband coverage, postal services and transport links for rural communities.

The Scottish Government has already made excellent progress on these matters, including enhancing the speed of rural broadband services. However, it is pleasing that the Rural Connectivity Commission will facilitate island and coastal communities receiving 100% of leasing revenues from activities in their adjacent waters, including those from renewables deployment. This will put to an end Crown Estate Commissioners taking this money, which will allow islanders to take economic advantage of what they own and illustrates that the Scottish Government is taking the needs of rural and island communities seriously.

It is also reassuring that the Commission will commit itself to the Universal Service Obligation (USO). This follows the Royal Mail’s own call on OFCOM for an early review, meaning they might manoeuvre to discontinue the service, which would be terrible news for the Highlands and Islands that rely heavily on the USO. A fair Scotland wide postal service will be maintained in the event of independence as the Scottish Government intends to take the postal service back into public ownership, meaning we will be able to safeguard the USO.

I am pleased to learn that as part of the Warm Home Discount (WHD) scheme for 2014/15, a rebate of £140 is now available for eligible low income and vulnerable households to assist with their electricity bills. Please contact your energy provider to see if they are part of the scheme and for information on eligibility.

This follows the news that the Scottish Government have confirmed their Green Homes Cashback Scheme will be available to all householders, including money being directed towards LPG and oil condensing boilers and will be of benefit to off-gas grid properties, which will impact positively on the problem of fuel poverty in Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch.

I debated independence at the Lochaber Chamber of Commerce on Thursday 17th July and I speak again on Independence in Strontian (25/07/14). I am scheduled for many more such debates so whether you are a decided or undecided voter you are most welcome at any independence debate and I urge you to come along and ask any questions you may have.

The feedback from volunteers is that the momentum is with “yes” and that not only are folk declaring that they will be voting in favour of Scottish independence but that they wish to help with the campaign too.

It is clear that the positive case for independence is winning hearts and minds and I expect that to continue right up until the big day. However, I am taking nothing for granted, which is why I would encourage every independence supporter to use the next two months to take the hopeful message of what Scotland can achieve to all your family and friends.

With your help, we will win our independence on September 18, 2014.

Notes:

Full details of the new phase of the Green Homes Cashback scheme including eligibility criteria and terms and conditions can be found at the following link:

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/Take-action/Find-a-grant/Green-Homes-Cashback-Scheme

Householders can contact the Scottish Government’s Home Energy Scotland advice centre for free and impartial advice on energy efficiency measures for their homes, including what schemes may be available to them. Home Energy Scotland’s telephone number is: 0808 808 228.