Alba set to launch its general election campaign in the north with a Highland manifesto in Easter Ross
Alba will be the first UK party to launch its general election campaign complete with a manifesto dedicated to the needs of the Highlands and Islands tomorrow when Alex Salmond visits the region.
Alongside the former First Minister will be the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross candidate Steve Chisholm as the party aims to get its first seats through an election win – until now Alba’s MSPs, MPs and Councillors left the SNP..
Mr Chisholm previously bid to be the SNP’s candidate for the seat but was defeated by Lucy Beattie who he is now running against. He is a senior director with one of the north’s leading energy service companies.
The main mover behind the manifesto was former SNP councillor Karl Rosie, who came close to beating the Liberal Democrats Jamie Stone at the last general election in 2019.
Cllr Rosie’s resignation from the SNP sent shockwaves through the party – he was not known as a natural rebel, he was not from the radical fringe of the party – and there were further ripples when he joined the Alba Party.
Alba say that Mr Chisholm will use his decades of experience in the energy industry to drive a credible transition to the Green economy and deliver for the Highlands whilst advancing the case for independence.
Part of his argument is that it is an “absurdity that Scotland is an energy rich nation but we have people across the Highlands living in fuel poverty” – something that may be tackled in the manifesto.
Mr Salmond said that the Alba Party are the only party contesting the general election with a plan to deliver independence because “each and every election should be fought to secure an independence mandate”.
Mr Chisholm said: “ I joined the Alba Party as they were the first party to recognise the unique challenges and opportunities facing the Highlands and I’ve since been working with our local team developing a Highland Manifesto tailored to the needs of our region.
“No one has done that before and it is testament to the commitment that Alba has to supporting our Highland communities. For too long we have been subjected to national policies imposed by our UK and Scottish Governments. If I am elected I will make sure our Governments listen to the voice of the Highlands."
Mr Salmond said: “We are delighted to have someone of Steve’s calibre and business experience carrying the Alba Party saltire in the Highlands at the General Election. It emphasises Alba’s credentials as a truly national party representing all parts and all communities in Scotland.
“Steve’s extensive experience and dedication to Highlands and Islands development, is a huge asset for Alba in shaping and driving forward an economic and industrial revival in the North of Scotland.”
