Dave Thompson MSP

As readers will know, I recently announced I will be standing down at the next Scottish election in 2016, which will mean I have been at the pinnacle of Scottish politics for 9 years at a fantastic period of advancement and electoral engagement for Scotland

My standing down announcement was kindly re-produced in the Strathspey and Badenoch Herald so there is not much more to say, other than, it has been a fantastic privilege to serve you first as a Regional MSP for the Highlands and Islands and then as a Constituency MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch. However, the time is now right to pass the baton on to a younger candidate.

The recent spectacular Westminster victories for Ian Blackford, over Charles Kennedy, and for Drew Hendry over Danny Alexander was a wonderful achievement for them and of course the SNP.

In particular, I congratulate the new MP for Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, Drew Hendry on his tremendous victory in the recent General Election. Drew overturned an 8,765 Liberal Democrat majority to take the seat with a majority of more than 10,000 of his own to oust Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury for the UK Coalition Government.

In order to highlight the uniqueness of epilepsy and raise awareness of the help and services available to sufferers it is vitally important that as an MSP I do what I can to show my support, which is why I recently visited the National Epilepsy Awareness Week Exhibition in the Parliament and was delighted to sign up to the “Who’s for an epilepsy action plan?

The campaign against average speed cameras took another ridiculous turn recently as campaigners reacted with fury at the news there would be mobile average-speed cameras installed on the A9 while dualling is carried out.  This is consistent with similar significant road works completed in other parts of the country and by definition the mobile nature of these cameras means they will only be operational when specific sections are being worked on and they are there to not only make the road safer for users, but to ensure that those working on the road remain safe in their job.

The project to dual the road between the Inverness and Perth is due to be completed by 2025, and the SNP are the only Government ever to commit to such an ambitious project. This should be celebrated, not derided, and while the work is ongoing we must ensure that it is done with the safety of all users and workers in mind.