RHODA GRANT: 'I found this Programme for Government lacklustre and uninspiring'

Highlands and Island Labour MSP Rhoda Grant says she was left unimpressed by what she called the 'lacklustre and uninspiring' – First Minister Humza Yousaf's first opportunity to stamp his authority and direction on the Scottish Government. She found 'gaps' in what is promised and what can realistically be delivered but she did welcome the tender for the Tomatin-Moy dualling section.

It was easy to spot that the schools had gone back from the beautiful weather we saw over the last week, I really enjoyed it.

The Parliament started back as well, after the summer recess. I was interested to see what the Programme for Government would offer to my constituents.

I welcome the continued commitment to dual the A9, but absolutely share the disappointment that only 11 per cent will be completed by the time we reach the promised completion date for the whole road south of Inverness. We have no timeframe for completion now but I am glad that the Tomatin to Moy section is out for tender again.

There is also no timetable or commitment for the A96. Indeed, the only promise in the Programme for Government was for the Inverness to Nairn section and the Nairn bypass – which everyone knows has been on the cards for some time. The lack of commitment to the whole of the A96 is concerning; our communities deserve a clear idea of what this SNP-Green government plan.

Long promised Crofting Legislation was missing, as was the commitment to have any ambition around land reform.

Overall, I found this Programme for Government lacklustre and uninspiring. The gaps on how the few promises made will be delivered are obvious and I can’t help but feel its spin over actual substance.

The past few weeks have seen a worrying development regarding the safety of schools and public buildings around the country due to RAAC. Sections of both Charleston and Nairn Academy have been closed, thirteen NHS Highland buildings have been confirmed to have RAAC issues, as well as ongoing investigations to several other schools, hospitals and public buildings across the area.

Constituents are really frustrated because of this; these structures did not become unsafe overnight, but information is only coming to light despite there being concerns raised for years.

The Scottish Government has admitted that it has known about the use of RAAC in schools for years, which will cause understandable anger from parents and pupils and raises questions on the SNP-Green government’s ability to make the right decisions moving forward.

Funding cuts for educational authorities and lack of action from the government to address the structural issues when they were first identified have left these schools in a poor state of repair.

Lastly, I was sad to hear of the passing of Mike Robb. Mike was our Labour Candidate for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey for a number of elections. Everyone who met him was impressed by him. He was warm and dedicated. I have heard of the respect political opponents and those with different political beliefs had for Mike when he ran for our party.

My heart goes out to his wife, Gwen, who hails from Helmsdale, and to his sons. He will be a big miss to the Scottish Labour Party.

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