Humza Yousaf and the Highlands: a year of the former First Minister courting north voters
Humza Yousaf made numerous visits to the Highlands starting with the SNP hustings at Eden Court followed Highland News and Media’s leadership debate.
After just 13 months at Bute House his time as First Minister is the shortest of all but Henry McLeish as a permanent First Minister.
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While in charge Mr Yousaf launched a process of re-engagement with the north after the more distant administration of Nicola Sturgeon.
Here is a look back at what he did and what he said on those visits.
Mr Yousaf was in Inverness to win over the Highland members of the SNP, and though he was quickly endorsed by several local MSPs, he understood the government would have to change to keep persuading voters north of Perth.
Speaking exclusively after the hustings at Eden Court, Mr Yousaf Humza Yousaf vowed to make sure that “every single policy that comes through the government” is “rural-proofed”, so the impacts on areas like the Highlands is well understood.
Next came the leadership debate where Mr Yousaf would again go toe to toe with local favourite Kate Forbes and Ash Regan.
And in something that was to prove an ongoing problem over which he had no control Mr Yousaf had to contend - along with the other candidates - with a party mired in controversy amid the resignation of chief executive Peter Murrell, Nicola Sturgeon’s husband.
The opening of the National Treatment Centre Highland was to signal not just a major push to reduce waiting lists but also the start of a major new chapter where staff are no longer treated poorly or bullied at the health board.
The visit by Mr Yousaf highlighted one aspect of his persona in that he was warmly embraced - as in the picture above quite literally - by some of those he meets.
Making his second visit in a month to the Highlands First Minister Humza Yousaf said it “would be unforgivable” to go another one, two or three years without progress on the A9 dualling project.
On the same visit, Mr Yousaf visited SNAP - Special Needs Action Project - in Inverness. There he seemed as at home with the kids on the bouncy castle as he was talking with staff about the serious issues about caring for children with additional support needs.
He said of the staff at SNAP: “I can see from just spending an hour here, not just the close bond but the love that there is between those who work at SNAP and the children who come here – it is astonishing and what they have managed to achieve as a result of that is really heart-warming.”
Later the same day he also visited Loch Ness where his daughter Amal was given a Nessie cuddly toy.
Winnie Ewing’s memorial service at Inverness Cathedral came on a day of mourning as well as celebration for her for the SNP and Mr Yousaf, along with others like Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon attended. He profusely praised the Independence icon for her massive contribution to the movement.
And during his last trip north before resigning, Mr Yousaf stopped off in the hometown of Kate Forbes to visit the auction mart. He also discussed what was at the time the most recent controversy surrounding the SNP - the impact of the Hate Crime Act.
