The MSP for Na h-
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-
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-
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-