Energy, ESCo and the Economy of the Western Isles

Energy is a critical issue and even more so in the Outer Hebrides. It is a strange situation to be in when we have a lot of free renewable energy potential available yet we are still dependent on costly conventional energy - costly not only in terms of price but also transportation which, of course has been a huge local issue.

Move to the right has not helped Johann Lamont

Johann Lamont has been dealt another blow to her leadership after a YouGov poll showed almost half of Labour supporters do not trust her.

NEW REPORT SAYS UK BUSINESSES "NOT FAZED" BY REFERENDUM PROJECT FEAR MYTH DEBUNKED YET AGAIN

SNP Treasury spokesman Stewart Hosie has welcomed a British Chambers of Commerce poll that shows 90 per cent of UK businesses say the referendum has had no impact on their trade.

SNP resonating with the people and communities

Welcoming the Holyrood voting figures in last week’s Sunday Times Panelbase poll, which put support for the party at exactly the same level as its 2011 landslide victory, SNP Business Convener Derek Mackay said:

Forthcoming Our Islands Our Future Conference

As the Western Isles Council delegation prepares to depart for the Our Islands Our Future Conference in Kirkwall the Comhairle’s SNP Group wish all those attending every success.

Welcome breakthrough for Hebridean fishermen

We welcome and acknowledge the enormous step forward that has secured by the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Fisheries, Richard Lochhead. Issues were raised (as per letter below from Cllr Donald Manford) and Richard Lochhead responded rapidly resulting in great outcomes for the Hebridean fishing industry.

A letter (11 Sep 2013)sent by the SNP Group leader Donald Manford to Julian Chafner of the Ministry of Defence questioning the reasoning given by the MOD with regards to objections to the turbines at North Uist. Should there be an enquiry as to why the safeguarding area is extended here and only just recently?

MSP approaches MOD regarding the Uist energy plans

Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, has recently contacted the Secretary of State for Defence, Philip Hammond MP, 

Scottish government budget addresses the Westminster attacks on the most vulnerable

Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, welcomed the Scottish Government budget published yesterday, 

Addressing the mobile phone issues on the islands

EE

Na h-Eileanan and Iar SNP MP, Angus Brendan MacNeil met with representatives from the mobile operator EE, the company which runs the EE, Orange and T-Mobile brands in the UK.

Tories revert to selling off public assets

Commenting on the announcement that the Westminster government has confirmed the sale of shares in Royal Mail, Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP Angus MacNeil said:

Plane service u-turn by council - if only they had listened to the SNP Group

MACNEIL WELCOMES TALK OF COUNCIL U-TURN ON AIR-SERVICES

SNP support offshore workers

The plight of offshore workers and their travel to and from the Outer Hebrides was raised again by SNP councillors Kenny Macleod and Gordon Murray at the Transportation Committee meeting on 4th September.

Energy Plan for the Outer Hebrides

I welcome today's commitment to establish an Energy Plan for the Outer Hebrides.