Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross Liberal Democrat MP Jamie Stone calls for Highlands and Islands minister post to be created at Scottish Government
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A DEDICATED minister should be appointed to represent the interests of the Highlands in the wake of Holyrood centralisation, a Ross MP has argued.
Jamie Stone, who represents Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, claimed power was "being dragged out of the Highlands to Edinburgh" and called for the Scottish Government to create a Highlands and Islands minister specifically to champion the region.
Speaking in a debate in the House of Commons on 20 years of devolution, he said: “We in the Highlands and Islands identify a democratic deficit in that we feel that our voice is not being heard by those in power in Edinburgh.
“Power is being dragged out of the Highlands to Edinburgh. This does not suit highland people and you get elected members blaming the Highland Council despite the money coming from the Scottish Government.
“I believe there should be a Minister for the Highlands and Islands in whatever government of whatever colour who would speak up for, and exercise some power for the good of the Highlands and Islands.”
Commenting after the debate Mr Stone added: “Over the years there has been a growing feeling in my constituency, and the wider Highlands and Islands, that a centralised Edinburgh-based Scottish Government does not heed our needs and pleas.
"Look at the problems we have with the NHS in the Highlands – like local and accessible consultant-led maternity services being stripped out of Caithness and Sutherland. Look at the lack of decent internet access – or the failure to improve roads in the Far North.
"That is why I have today proposed that the Scottish Government appoints a dedicated Minister for the Highlands and Islands – someone who will be our champion in the ministerial team.”
