Highlands and Islands MSP Douglas Ross has slammed both SNP transport minister Fiona Hyslop and the interim chief executive officer of Highland Council for their complete refusal to meet with local roads campaigners in Caithness
Douglas’ criticism comes after he recently met with Thelma MacKenzie from Thurso Community Council and Iain Gregory from Caithness Roads Recovery to hear about the “disgraceful” state of the roads in the area.
After hearing the understandable anger from Theresa and Iain, Douglas wrote to new SNP transport minister Fiona Hyslop and Highland Council urging them to come and meet with the community council and Caithness Roads Recovery to discuss how upgrades can be delivered.
However, in responding to Douglas, Fiona Hyslop has “passed the buck” and said the responsibilities lie with the local authority and any discussions Douglas wishes to have, would be better taken forward with the council.
Douglas says this response sums up the SNP’s typical neglect and lack of interest in the needs of rural and remote communities.
He has also criticised Kate Lackie for saying that she doesn’t feel that a meeting with campaigners would serve any substantive purpose at this time.
Douglas says it is “shocking” that the minister and chief executive of the council won’t even meet with campaigners who are “fighting tirelessly” to upgrade roads, local people and visitors rely on.
Highlands and Islands MSP Douglas Ross said: “These responses from the SNP’s latest transport minister and the interim council chief executive are completely unacceptable.
“I was delighted to meet with Thelma and Iain recently and hear directly from them about the disgraceful state of the roads in Caithness. They told me in no uncertain terms that urgent upgrades are required and I know how long they have been fighting for them.
“That is why I think it’s shocking that neither Fiona Hyslop and Kate Lackie can find time to visit the area and meet with local campaigners in Caithness.
“It is typical of SNP ministers to neglect the needs of those living in rural and remote communities.
"They have shown a total lack of interest in them during their 16 years in office.
“They passed the buck to the council, but even the local authority don’t want to help it seems.
“Caithness campaigners must be wondering where to turn to for support in pushing for greater road investment. The minister should come and see for herself the state of the roads in these communities and the council chief executive should agree to a meeting.
“Roads upgrades are one of the biggest issues facing Caithness and I will continue to support local campaigners and take up their fight, even if others won’t.”