Gray : SNP guilty of Neglect in Highlands and Islands

19 August 2009

Labour leader Iain Gray criticised the SNP of being "guilty of neglect" in the Highlands and Islands by not bringing

forward government projects such as school building or roads during his visit to Inverness today.

Iain Gray, MSP, said: "The SNP are not doing enough to help the Highland and Islands with a lack of action on government projects that would boost the economy and create and protect jobs.

"The failure of SNP’s Future Trust has pulled the plug on £2bn on public projects across Scotland and this has hit the Highlands and Islands in particular.

"Not one new school has been built in the region under the SNP.

"And then there are the delays on the A9.

"This is costing jobs in the construction industry with many companies switching to short term working or laying off people.

"The SNP are guilty of neglect.

"Alex Salmond was full of big talk and promises in 2007 but when it comes to intervening in the economy they have fallen well short.

"At a time when the Scottish Government should be doing all it can to protect jobs we are seeing a massive fall in public investment projects.

"Labour had the mechanism in place for school buildings to continue the programme that had seen us build schools at Drumnadrochit, Ardnamurchan and Millburn Academy.

"Even schools in dire need of repair like Wick Academy are being failed under the SNP.

"Despite it being a school mentioned in Fiona Hyslop’s statement, there is no clear indication as to what schools will be improved and when."

"Labour believes the Scottish government should examine re-opening Nigg Yard for renewable energy.

"The SNP Ministers should listen to those in the Highland and Islands who are losing confidence in the Scottish Government. "