Dave Thompson MSP

As West Word readers will be aware I have been campaigning for more “rapid” charge points in the Highlands to make charging electric motor-vehicles as efficient and convenient for drivers as possible.

In doing so, I hope this will provide a positive contribution to climate change as well by helping to minimise our carbon footprint. I am delighted that I will be hosting a debate in the Parliament on March 10 on the merits of electric car travel and that some members of The Electric Vehicle Association Scotland (EVAS), which now has a membership of 350 in Scotland (up 100% in the past 12 months), are hoping to get along on the day.

I welcome the news, which followed my meeting with the Cabinet Secretary, Richard Lochhead, his officials, and members of MNWFA, that the laying of the Management Order of the Small Isles MPA is not going ahead.

The economy of the west coast is heavily dependent on a viable fishing industry and so, I support the modest changes proposed by MNWFA, which will mitigate the economic impact of the MPA fishing restrictions.

It is heartening that the Government has listened to the concerns of the fishermen and I look forward to further constructive discussions in the coming weeks before a revised Order will be laid.

I was happy to attend the Scottish Sports Alliance exhibition in the Scottish Parliament, as I have been a long-time advocate on the wider benefits of sport.

These benefits are wide ranging, including improved mental and physical health for the young and old, increased educational ability and attention span of school aged children, a more alert work force, an improved economy, and of course, there are social benefits too, such as community cohesion and feel good factor.

I recently showed my support for Kidney Cancer Scotland and Melanoma UK for their work in advancing the cause of cancer treatment and signed the pledge in the Scottish Parliament to support cancer patients.

This was important for me to take the pledge in support cancer patients, as I support new and exciting advances in the treatment of cancer which offer patients the prospect of improved long-term survival from cancer across a range of tumour types.

I was glad to take part in a fuel poverty debate in the Scottish Parliament to highlight the need for the Scottish Government to have a closer look at what can be done for off-gas grid properties in tackling fuel poverty and to ask that the Highlands be treated as a priority area.

I am happy to report that The Land Reform Bill which will fundamentally change the relationship between the people of Scotland and the land they inhabit recently passed Stage 2 in the Scottish Parliament.

This is fantastic news. As part of the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment (RACCE) Committee I have been working hard with my colleagues to ensure the land reform journey is a positive one, and the creation of a public register of persons who control land in Scotland is a massive step forward towards a more transparent system.

Of course, there is still lots more to be done, which is why The Scottish Government  are creating a dedicated Scottish Land Commission to ensure the focus on land reform continues to grow and I look forward to the Bill becoming an Act we can be truly proud of.