Cromarty Firth ward attracts SNP big guns as weather woes thrust into political spotlight
INCLEMENT weather around the Cromarty Firth was used by a leading politician yesterday to press the case for an independent Scotland.
Deputy leader of the SNP Keith Brown MSP arrived in Easter Ross hot on the heels of First Minister John Swinney in support of a local election candidate.
Odette MacDonald is one of 12 candidates to have thrown their hats in the ring in pursuit of two seats up for grabs at a Cromarty Firth ward Highland Council by-election.
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Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, visited Invergordon with Odette and her team to knock on potential voters’ doors as well as visiting local businesses.
He said: “Odette is a wonderful candidate. She has lived and worked with the people of this area over a good number of years, including eight in the office of local MSP Maree Todd.
“She will be exactly the sort of committed, compassionate and hard-working councillor the people of the Cromarty Firth are crying out for.
“Just the weather here today alone shows why Scotland needs to be independent: independent of a heartless, business as usual Westminster Parliament slashing winter fuel payments that their own 2017 analysis said would endanger the lives of over 3500 old folk.
“Today, in September, the weather was wet and cold and several degrees cooler than London. No thought has been given to the pensioners who live here. No thought has been given to those older people whose house or flat is poorly insulated.
“These conditions were on the same day that a Labour government voted through the end of the Winter Fuel Payments. Every single SNP MP rightly voted against this Labour austerity and will continue to oppose further cuts while using our very limited powers to support those that need it most, despite these decisions severely restricting the Scottish government’s spending power through the Barnett consequentials.
“What the people of Cromarty Firth need is someone like Odette who can champion them, work as part of the SNP administration slowly improving things at Highland Council and trying to overturn areas which have been neglected for too long.”
MacDonald thanked the MSP for his support and braving the Highland weather to see people in their homes and businesses.
She said: “There’s no doubt folks are having a tough time of it. The Cromarty Firth is set for a huge boost with renewables technology and manufacturing thanks to investment from the Scottish Government.
“In my role as a caseworker for our local MSP Maree Todd, I have developed a strong understanding of the needs of this community and the distinct challenges it faces. I am committed to continuing my efforts on behalf of the people of Cromarty Firth and will work tirelessly to support as many people as possible.
“If I was elected, I would be committed to continue this service to the community and make sure that we can make Cromarty Firth the secure, stable and prosperous place its people deserve, equipping everyone here with the employment, training and skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century.”
