Dave Thompson MSP

I recently wrote to Caledonian Macbrayne regarding their proposed new ferry provisions. In general, the new provisions on the Mallaig - Lochboisdale service are excellent as is the rollout of RET to all routes. However, I have concerns in the affected communities about proposals for the Mallaig-Armadale service.

Whilst the proposed increasing frequency of sailings is welcomed, there would appear to be overall capacity issues particularly around the vehicle and passenger carrying (too small) of the 'LochInvar' and the turnaround speed of this vessel in each port. In addition, there is concern over what will happen if the 'Lord of the Isles' cannot sail from Lochboisdale or is otherwise delayed.

Therefore, I believe it is necessary, given the wider goal of improvements for all that CalMac and the Scottish Government give these matters further consideration prior to the implementation of the new timetable and I await a response from Calmac with interest.

During a recent Parliament Debate on the “Provisions for a Future Islands Bill”, I declared that I will be campaigning for a new Local Authority and Constituency for Skye, Lochalsh and Lochaber.

As part of that Bill, I would like to see the West Highlands and Islands, from Uig in Skye to Glencoe in Lochaber having its own Local Authority and its own Scottish Parliamentary Constituency.

I believe that this Bill is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to help shape a fairer and more prosperous future for our Islands and help to drive important islands-specific legislation, which will have a significant impact on the lives if islanders for years to come, and a review of council and constituency boundaries in the Inner Hebrides and West Highlands could be part of that positive process.

The electorate of Skye, Lochalsh and Lochaber is about 27,000, compared to around 22,000 in Na h-Eileanan an lar, 18,000 in Shetland and 17,000 in Orkney, and Skye, Lochalsh and Lochaber is a mountainous, coastal and island area with much the same issues as the other island groups.

I will be meeting the Minister soon to discuss the proposal and I will respond formally to the Proposed Islands Bill Consultation, which is open until December, and I intend to survey the constituency on the idea.

As part of the same debate, I acknowledged The Fly Skye campaign group, who have been promoting the case for the restoration of passenger air links to the Island of Skye for a number of years and there is no doubt that the reintroduction of air links from Skye to the Central Belt would benefit the economy of Skye and Lochalsh.

The capital for such a service would be no more than £2.8 million and it is estimated that such a service would result in an additional annual spend in the local economy of around £300,000 and would create numerous jobs.

I was delighted that my proposal for a Cross Party Group (CPG) on “Religious Freedom” was approved by the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments (SPPA) Committee to run in the Scottish Parliament.

The group will provide a forum for MSPs, enabling discussion and the widest possible engagement with the multi-faith community, locally, nationally, and internationally.

I look forward to working with and inviting the broadest range of religious groups and other interested societies, to ensure the widest possible representation, and I urge interested parties to keep their eyes on the Scottish Parliament website, where notice of future meetings will be advertised.

The recent announcement by Highland’s and Island Enterprise (HIE) of a £720,000 partnership to power offshore aquaculture installations and potentially island communities is good news. Wave energy represents a crucial section of the offshore industry and this could lead to remote island communities being powered by clean, sustainable wave energy.

I recently attended the SNP Conference in Aberdeen. The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, used the conference as a launch pad for the SNP's Holyrood Election Campaign and did so with a record breaking number of attendees and delegates watching on.

The SNP are now a major political force, not just for Scottish but UK politics too. We must never be complacent or take voters for granted. We must continue to fight Austerity and the Tories at Westminster in a way they have not been accustomed to in recent years by other UK Parties and if we do that and continue to govern well in Holyrood, then I am confident that those who put faith in the SNP in May this year will do so again at the Scottish Elections in 2016.