Vote for positive change at Stòras Uibhist
29 August 2024
Sirs,
I am standing for election to the board of Stòras Uibhist to help bring positive
change.
Just surviving is no longer enough. We are all proud of our islands, but we must
work together to create a sustainable future. Stòras Uibhist is uniquely positioned
to control the path we take to secure a prosperous future tor us all.
We need the estate to change to allow economic development to take priority. We must
help to provide good paying jobs and access to all types of housing. This includes
social housing, housing for key workers, and serviced plots heavily discounted for
local residents. I have seen housing plots sold to local families for £500 on other
estates with a ten-year bond against selling. Under such a scheme, essentially, if
you sell within ten years then you need to pay the estate £40K, otherwise you only
pay the £500. We must look at every possible solution to end the housing crisis.
We are generating energy on the estate, but we still pay one of the highest daily
charges for having an electricity supply in our homes. We need to look at what options
are available to share the energy harvest currently being reaped with our community.
If we can find a way to sell the energy produced on island locally, we would make
people better off, increase the profitability of the wind farm, and make our islands
a more investible destination for businesses. Not only could cheaper energy prove
attractive to companies, but it could also significantly improve our chances of tackling
depopulation.
I have been living and working on South Uist most of my life. I started out working
for the family firm, Uist Builders, then spent a decade working in various roles
for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. I started my own business, Energee Services Limited,
fifteen years ago, providing jobs and essential services across the Outer Hebrides.
I am extremely proud that, during that time, my team and I have helped to train four
young engineers, so far, who are now working all over the world. I am also a partner
in an accommodation business that is growing each year.
Everyone knows that reliable transport links are essential for our economy and that
the continuing disruption to our ferry service is unacceptable. I have been involved
with the South Uist Business Impact Group since its inception and have met with ministers
and civil servants to make the case for the Lochboisdale-Mallaig service. It is essential
we continue this campaign for our collective good.
Young people are crucial to the future of our estate. I served as chairman of the
Sgoil Lionacleit Pipe Band for several years and helped the band travel to many competitions
in Scotland. We then, with the support of the community, managed to raise the required
funds for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Tartan Week Parade in New York. This experience
highlighted to me not only the abilities of our young people, but also what can be
achieved when we work together.
If we move forward together in that spirit, working together, our islands can thrive.
I would be honoured if voters would support me so we can start to work together to
benefit us all.
John Daniel Peteranna
Frobost
Isle of South Uist