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The MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar has written to the Islands minister to highlight the concern to make sure this does not become a reality.

I also see reported that an SNP group of councillors claimed the Comhairle’s actions compounded the growing exodus of young people leaving for the mainland.

Part of the solution is to bring more jobs to the islands. A rich variety of jobs that are sustainable, have a future and offer progressive and rewarding career opportunities. Another part of the solution is to offer quality educational opportunities coupled with career prospects. Reduce the flow of young people leaving in the first place to a sustainable level.

I am sure there are may people who have left the islands to follow a career, possibly at the end of their academic achievements, who would want to return. But at the moment it is slim pickings for anyone who wants to return to the islands to embark on a career or to set up a business.

I am not convinced head-hunting people who have moved to the mainland is going to be of significant benefit. Nor do I see raising the concern with the Islands minister making a material difference. Nor is blaming the Comhairle. The aggregation of all three points together in all probability is not enough to reverse the problem.

Those who make the sacrifice and enter elected public office should be passionate about wanting to make a difference. This involves taking ownership and presenting options and solutions. They are in a position of influence. They are the establishment. We should expect them to take ownership and we should hold them to account. We should expect them to make that difference. Not highlighting well-known problems and blaming others.

It would be heartening to hear about innovative thinking and action around exploiting opportunities such as being competitive and moving public and service sector jobs to the Western Isles. Immediate action around building a North Sea oil decommissioning capability with Government support and resuscitating fabrication yards such as Arnish. Some forward thinking on how the next generation of digital technologies can offer the Islands opportunities. Supporting community renewable projects where the local communities are the beneficiaries. And support for developing and nurturing local businesses within the Islands at a local level, as opposed to the threat of a remote centralised model.

What is needed is taking ownership, progressive thinking and action. In its absence depopulation will continue.

Innis Montgomery
6 Sheshader
 

 

Letter:  Depopulation worries

5 December 2016

 

Sir,


The recent publication projecting a 14% falling population in the Western Isles by 2039 is a real concern, but not entirely surprising. Elsewhere, in Scotland, the projection is one of growth. Depopulation in the Western Isles is a long-standing problem and the latest report reminded me of a conversation I had with a neighbour recently who said, “The village has gone to pot, its just retired people, and holiday homes. There are hardly any kids around here any more.” I am sure this a story that can be repeated across many villages.