RHODA GRANT: Highland Labour MSP expresses ‘concern around the perilous position’ of ICT as she hopes ‘proposed refinancing solutions can ensure the long-term sustainability of the club’
I would like to start this column by expressing my concern around the perilous position Inverness Caledonian Thistle finds itself in, with club board members indicating that administration is likely.
The club plays an important part in the community, providing a source of pride and entertainment. Although now in different leagues, derby games with Ross County always bring a charged enthusiasm to the city. The club positively impacts the local economy through the role of visiting fans, advertising and related services.
I hope that proposed refinancing solutions can ensure the long-term sustainability of the club, and that everyone is pulling in the right direction to get the club back to where it belongs, with fans at the centre of any decision.
I was glad to hear that ICT Community Trust, which puts on charitable events and initiatives in Inverness and across the Highlands will continue to operate as normal regardless of what decisions are made about the club.
Last week, the Scottish Government announced a delay to completing dualling of A9 between Tomatin and Moy. Up until recently, the SNP had stated that this stretch would be completed by 2027 but conceded earlier this month that it will likely be operational by Spring of 2028.
The irony that transport secretary Fiona Hyslop has stated that this further delay represents ‘progress she is pleased with’ needs a reality check. The A9 is one of the most dangerous roads in Scotland and we are already decades behind schedule in upgrading it. While I welcome that a contractor has been named for the work, there cannot be any further delays and interruptions moving forward.
Recent data released by the Trussell Trust found that a record number of people are facing hunger and hardship in Scotland and across the UK.
In Scotland, rates are 24 per cent higher than they were 20 years ago, with 670,000 people experiencing hunger and hardship. This number is separate from people who directly access foodbanks but instead have to cut back on essentials and make other sacrifices in order to buy food.
This is further evidence why as a country, we need to re-evaluate our priorities to ensure that something so fundamental as putting food on a table does not require sacrifice for hundreds of thousands of Scots.
My Private Member’s Bill proposal for a Right to Food would ensure we tackle food insecurity, hunger and establish the rights of individuals to access sufficient and nutritious food.
Finally, I would like to draw attention of community organisations across the Highlands and Islands that they have until the end of this month to have their say on how to maximise opportunities to generate community wealth.
Commissioned by economic and community development agency, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the ‘Our Place, Our Prosperity’ project can be found on the HIE website.
It’s open to community groups and organisations across the region, including charities, community anchor organisations, community development companies, community interest companies, social enterprises or co-ops, and any other third sector organisations. It’s also open to community councils.
