Firstly, I have to say I will not be sending out any leaflets / junk mail or hanging up posters or banners.
This will end up costing the people I wish to represent and takes away valuable money that could be better spent elsewhere. I will rely on the internet and free press such as this to get my words and feelings out.
Also, I am standing as an independent councillor because I wish to be directed by
you -
It’s natural progression for a senior shop steward to step up and become a councillor. All the education, training, support and experience that go with that will help me enormously if elected to the role of councillor for Bharraigh , Bhatarsaigh , Eirisgeidh agus Uibhist a Deas.
The Southern Isles have been overlooked on numerous occasions and it’s my intention to change that. The roads for instance are in an atrocious state, in particular the A865 South Uist – North Uist peat road.
Before building Liniclate School, the then council promised all the families in the Uists and Eriskay that their kids would travel in safety along the spinal route from north to south and vice versa via new double track roads. Now look what we have! In fact the roads were actually safer back then.
Playing fields, swimming pools, football pitches, sports centres are just example of what is missing/wrong with these islands.
The previous councils have to hold their hands up and say ‘yes’ they have let us down.
High cost of living, low wages, no jobs, no chances, no training, zero for the youth and depopulation all equals no future.
Here are just a few of my thoughts:
Transport: I believe that transport within the isles, and to and from the isles is vital to all who live on the Islands, to ensure that existing businesses survive, and that new businesses have a chance to thrive. Improving transport is a complex problem, since it is affected by many factors:
- Fuel prices: This can be combated by trying to ensure the price per gallon is reduced
(Fair Fuel Campaign), but also by providing financial and political incentives to
encourage the use of Future Vehicle Technology (ultra-
efficient internal combustion engines, Hydrogen fuel cells etc.) - The roads: A greater percentage of twin track roads, particularly on the main arterial
routes through the Islands, this will not only improve the safety and speed of driving
in the islands, but crucially will also improve the economy of cars and lorries using
the roads, by allowing steady driving, rather than the current ‘stop-
start’ driving between passing places. - Public Transport: The Southern Isles public transport system requires both thought and investment. More efficient, and on many routes smaller vehicles, better planning of the timetables, and the introduction of ‘smart bus stops’ that indicate when the next bus is due.
- Transport to and from the Islands: I fully support the OHTG (Outer Hebrides Transport Group) and the return of RET for commercial vehicles. It is also important to ensure that the ADS scheme continues so that air travel remains affordable. I support the introduction of dedicated ferries from Lochboisdale to Mallaig and from Castlebay to Oban , which will be good for the local communities, and encourage, more visitors during the holiday season.
Broadband: Greater access to broadband is very important for the Islands, and is vital for those who wish to start up small businesses; we have to look at how other rural communities have improved their broadband connections (i.e. the Orkneys and Cumbria) and then apply that knowledge to the Isles.
Local Businesses: If the Islands are to improve employment, it is key that existing businesses are helped and that local people with good ideas are encouraged to turn those ideas into industries, transport, broadband, and greater recognition of the quality of local food produced will form the basis of many of those businesses. To help those who want to start such an enterprise, I intend to work with Lews Castle College and the UHI (University of the Highlands & Islands) to provide small business development courses.
Promotion of local food production: The Islands produce excellent local food: shellfish, lamb, salmon, sea trout, venison, beef, and potatoes. The introduction of an Island brand would make marketing such food easier both here, and on the mainland.
Future Tourism: We need to push for council run camping sites, built by local contractors and leading to local jobs. All profits being put back into the local areas for future projects and developments.
QinetiQ and the Range: I am aware of the importance of the range to the economy of the Uists , directly through the employee’s salaries and the use of sub contractors also indirectly through money spent on travel and accommodation. As shop steward I worked hard with the HRTF (Hebrides Range Task Force) to fight for the ranges future when it seemed destined to radically scale down its work. I am delighted to say the range has a massive future ahead and the work continues to grow.
I recognise that I will not be able to resolve all the problems or all the above but I will try and I will listen. I am young, enthusiastic, passionate about and committed to the islands.
Let’s work hand in hand and to make us proud of our islands again.
So let’s get the Furnaces burning and get Steele in.
Donnie Steele, Independent
Barraigh, Bhatarsaigh, Eirisgeigh & Uibhist a Deas
Barra, Vatersay Eriskay and South Uist