Election 2021: The last part of our series bringing you the views of Inverness and Nairn candidates and how they would deal with some of the key issues affecting the Highlands, today Edward Mountain says how he would deal with housing shortages and depopulation

The candidates of Inverness and Nairn have been responding to issues put them faced by constituency and now it is the turn of Conservative candidate Edward Mountain. He gives us his thoughts on how he would approach problems like housing shortages and depopulation.

So, with the Inverness and Nairn constituency expecting a population increase over the next decade, the area, already suffering under the burden of thousands of people on waiting lists for social housing, is likely to come under more pressure.

We asked Mr Mountain what he would do about the problem, if elected.

He said:"I am determined to make it easier for all that want to to be able to live and work in the Highlands. For too long, many Highlanders have felt the need to move away to find jobs or housing, a worrying trend that is contributing to depopulation. That needs to change.

"The Highlands needs a Scottish Government that will seriously address this crisis by building more homes. That’s why I am delighted that the Scottish Conservatives are pledging to rollout the biggest social housebuilding drive since devolution began.

"The ambitious targets would see 40,000 homes for social rent built over the next Parliament, a fair share of which will be built in the Highlands and Islands. By 2026, we would also aim to restore levels of housebuilding to 25,000 homes per year– a number the SNP have been unable to achieve since they came to power in 2007.

"We are committed to delivering more affordable rural housing too, something which can’t be said for the SNP. Figures from 2020 show that only 59 homes have been built via their Rural Housing Fund – this scheme was meant to deliver 500 homes. The Scottish Conservatives would manage that fund far better and invest £50 million to support more housebuilding and renovation across rural Scotland.

"The issue of housing isn’t just about affordability, but accessibility too. We need to ensure that the Highlands has the right amount of housing stock which caters to the needs of those with disabilities and other medical issues. As more care takes place in the community, more homes must be designed with care in mind and not as an afterthought.

"As a former surveyor, I know exactly what it takes to plan for and build homes. Only the Scottish Conservatives have the right ambition and expertise to address the Highland housing crisis."

To read what the other candidates had to say and check out our other election coverage click here

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