SNP accused of distorting facts

Sir,

Since I was elected as a councillor in 1999 I have never underestimated the SNP’s ability to distort facts and situations for what they perceive to be their own political advantage.

But their latest instalment accusing Alasdair Morrison of “axing” the Lochboisdale-Mallaig service has got to be one of their more spectacular and laughable misrepresentations.

No such service existed at the time to be “axed" as SNP convenor John Macdonald put it. Along with many from this community, Alasdair Morrison has been a staunch advocate of this ferry route. Indeed, as recently as last week, he was in Uist listening to people who are still campaigning for this much needed service.

If the Lewis and Harris convenor of the SNP is going to be used as a pawn by our invisible MP and MSP, he should ensure that they furnish him with facts and not misrepresentations before he commits their words to the public domain.

Silly, error strewn letters to Hebrides News do nothing for the Lochboisdale cause - all it highlights is that after eight barren years the SNP’s only answer to a difficult situation is to try and cause diversions and state misrepresentations.

I do hope that Mr Macdonald, our MSP and MP will support Alasdair Morrison’s call for the Lochboisdale-Mallaig route to be included in the tender document for all Caledonian MacBrayne routes. But experience has taught me not to expect them to engage in the positive politics of making a difference, but to be scornful and insulting about genuine political activism.

Cllr Ronald MacKinnon

South Uist and Barra ward

Letter: SNP “distorting facts”

9 March 2015