Scottish Conservatives Launch Highlands and Islands Policy Document Ahead of May Election
Common Sense for the Highlands and Islands sets out 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.