The Scottish National Party (SNP) candidate in the Highland Council by-election for the Caol and Mallaig ward is certainly out to make sure he cracks the campaign, as he made his way to the Isle of Eigg.
Aaron Taylor, the 33-year old father of five running for election in Ward 11, made his way from Arisaig Harbour to the Small Isle, which is 12 miles from Mallaig and just south of the Isle of Skye.
The island became famous in 1997 when the land was bought as part of a community buy out and it has been managed ever since by the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust.
At five miles long and three miles wide, Taylor and local party activist John Maton certainly had to have their walking boots on.
Taylor said:
“What an incredible day canvassing and speaking with the residents on the Isle of Eigg.
“Although it was just over five hours on the island, every moment felt like a privilege.
“I saw first-hand the incredible infrastructure that enables residents to heat their homes, provide their own water, grow their own food, provide their own broadband, and have created the world’s first eco-friendly brewery.
“There is so much our communities can learn from Eigg, and together, we can follow their example, especially around land reform, something the SNP has been advocating for.
Genuine community benefit, which comes from genuine community ownership, can come from genuine land reform and there is enormous power in that.
“Thank you to everyone for the warm welcome!
“I truly believe Eigg is, and can be, an example to the whole of Scotland about the power of taking control of your environment.”
The Coal and Mallaig by-election goes to the polls on September 25th.
