Dave Thompson MSP

The Editor.

WHFP.

Dear Sir.

I refer to Brian Wilson’s column in the WHFP of 13 March 2015 in which he complains that Highland MSP’s have not spoken up about the Croft House Grant Scheme.

As this includes myself I thought I should put the record straight.

I have, indeed, spoken up and have asked for the grant to be, at least, doubled from the basic £22,000 and have submitted such a response to the consultation.

I also put out two press releases on the matter but did not get coverage!

Brian also, as usual, seems to be very poorly informed about what goes on at the Scottish Parliament and has complained in recent weeks that SNP MSP’s, in particular, are like sheep and always follow the party line.

Unfortunately for Brian this is not true, but why let the truth spoil a good story.

For example, a quick look at the official report of the meetings of the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment (RACCE) committee will show that the government has been challenged very effectively by the committee, which has an SNP majority, as we have gone through the “right to buy” sections of the Community Empowerment bill and we have forced concessions from the government.

If Brian wants an impartial source to confirm this he just needs to ask former Labour MSP Peter Peacock, now of Community Land Scotland, who, I am sure, will happily confirm this effective cross party working to get the best possible outcome for the people from this legislation.

Hopefully, Brian will now do a bit of research before writing his column unless, of course, he is happier continuing to write in an ill informed way.

Yours sincerely.

Dave Thompson MSP
Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch (SNP)
Constituency Office
Thorfin House
Bridgend Business Park
Dingwall