Ross MSP voices concern over facilities for travelling people and urges calm in county amid fears during coronavirus crisis
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
MSP Gail Ross has written to Highland Council and Police Scotland to raise concerns over the facilities being put in place to support the travelling community during the Covid-19 crisis.
Ms Ross, a former member of the Equalities and Human Rights Committee of the Scottish Parliament, has also raised her concerns that despite assurances to the contrary from Highland Council in the past, little has been done to support the community north of the Kessock Bridge and the current pandemic has intensified problems in some locations.
The SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross made her remarks in the wake of some local concerns over encampments at North Kessock, on land owned by Highland Council, and at Alness Point in Easter Ross, on privately owned land.
She said: “It is of great concern that little in the way of progress has been made to support the gypsy traveller community in recent years in the north, despite assurances from Highland Council that they would provide facilities and support camps where possible. It was recognised in the past that human rights can and should go hand in hand with environmental protections and I’m concerned that it would appear that no provision has been put in place to support travelling communities at a time when environmental hygiene is so important.
“I can appreciate that many have come to me to express their concerns that summer camps are beginning to form again in the constituency, as in the past there have been real concerns over waste and environmental protection at the sites. Communities and elected representatives alike have been assured that better provision was coming, that would be of benefit to both settled as well as traveling communities.”
“I would urge all parties to remain calm, considerate and kind to one another. I have asked that both Highland Council and Police Scotland update me on their plans and the existing support that is in place for both communities, but at this time I feel that the emphasis must be on support and mutual respect.”
Some people have questioned whether the movement of travellers could be classed as "essential" during the coronavirus crisis and raised concerns about potential damage and flytipping.
A spokesman for Highland Council said: “Highland Council is aware of the unauthorised encampments at Alness Point which is on privately owned land – and at North Kessock northbound A9 layby which is on council-owned land.
“The council is maintaining an overview of both sites and visited the North Kessock site late last week, where travellers were using the public toilets and disposing of waste appropriately. As of yesterday there was only one caravan remaining.
“We are continuing to liaise with the travellers at the Alness site - within government guidance on social distancing - and progressing the ‘Policy on Supporting Cooperation and Managing Unauthorised Camps’ which sets out the multi-agency responsibilities and arrangements for responding to roadside encampments. Removal of the travellers at Alness is a matter for the private land owner.
“We can also confirm we’ve been in regular contact with COSLA and the Scottish Government and the Council supports the recent action plans (including Covid–19 support) that the Scottish Government have issued.”
