Scottish Conservatives Launch Highlands and Islands Policy Document Ahead of May Election
Common Sense for the Highlands and Islands sets out bold, region-specific plans ahead of the 7 May election
The Scottish Conservatives have today launched Common Sense for the Highlands and Islands, a policy document setting out the party's vision for the region developed following face-to-face engagement with voters in communities across the Highlands and Islands.
The document addresses five key areas:
Transport and Connectivity - An absolute commitment to dualling the A9 and A96, a new Pothole Action Fund, a long-term ferry investment strategy, and completion of the R100 broadband rollout.
Public Services - Opposition to the closure of any community hospital, protection of maternity services in Caithness and Moray, a 48-hour GP appointment guarantee, and a new Curriculum for Aspiration to replace the Curriculum for Excellence.
Economy and Business - Reformed business rates, a new Scottish Growth Fund, restored funding for Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and a £50 million boost to the rural affairs budget.
Energy - A moratorium on major renewable energy infrastructure until a new National Energy Policy is published, with planning powers returned to local authorities and a new energy bill discount scheme for households.
Housing - A commitment to unlocking housebuilding, tackling local housing shortages, and delivering keyworker housing in remote and rural communities.
Common Sense for the Highlands and Islands is available to read in full at the link below.