Ross deportation couple address Affairs Committee
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A DINGWALL couple who are facing deportation to Australia are giving evidence to the Scottish Affairs Committee meeting on Skye today.
The Westminster committee is visiting the island as part of its inquiry into the demography of Scotland and the implications for devolution.
During the visit, members will holding a public evidence session at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig where they will look at challenges facing people living in rural communities.
The sessions will focus on the island’s aging population, the impact of a period of population growth and how businesses can retain talent in the Highlands and Islands.
Among the panellists will be people at the heart of the local community, including representatives from academia, local government and community groups.
The committee will also be hearing from Gregg and Kathryn Brain from Dingwall, whose fight against deportation back to Australia has made headlines around the world.
They will be speaking about their experience of immigrating to Scotland.
Committee chairman, Pete Wishart MP, said: "I am delighted to be in Skye, to meet the people who live here and understand the challenges they face. It is pleasing that the last few decades have seen steady population growth on the island. However, it is important that we keep investigating policies that enable inhabitants to live fulfilled lives and attract others to move here.
"I am especially pleased to be hearing from Gregg and Kathryn Brain. During an inquiry such as this it is easy to focus on cold, hard statistics. However, it is equally valuable to hear about the real experiences of those involved in the immigration system, to understand what attracted them to Scotland and hear the challenges they are facing in staying here."
• Recordings of the Skye session can be watched on YouTube throughout the day at
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJyKFTALlQhYVSigZ_Mmszw
