Michael Gregson has called on the new Scottish Government to make strategic investment in Highland infrastructure a priority following the recent Scottish Parliament election.
The Inverness Central Labour councillor said the Highlands and Islands required stronger action across housing, transport, energy and public services.
“A major focus in the Scottish Parliament elections has been the quality of services.
“No party got a ringing endorsement from voters, and the needs of Highlanders have simply not been met.
“The Scottish Human Rights Commission Report stands as a serious indictment of services and infrastructure across our region.
“Roads and Bridges, Schools, Housing and more there are big shortfalls in what’s being delivered to our communities.”
Gregson said the renewable energy sector could create major opportunities for the Highlands but argued stronger planning and infrastructure were needed.
The Renewable Energy revolution can bring great opportunities to our region, but only with:
• A coherent national Scottish renewables infrastructure strategy
• Proper engagement with communities, who are currently marginalised and forced to become adversarial.
• Greater Community Share and the formation of Community Energy Companies
• Investment in the workforce, so our workers can take up the opportunities of the potential 15,000 jobs in the sector.
He also spoke about housing pressures and development planning across Inverness and the wider Highlands.
Meeting the Housing Challenge must have community consent:
• The Council’s target of 24,000 houses must be achieved within the framework of Local Plans and NPF4
• Poorly conceived Masterplan Consent Areas, as are proposed for Essich and Ardersier, are not the answer.
• The delayed, essential link between the A96 and the A9 must be accelerated, to open up development on the east side of the city.
• Inverness must avoid car dependent suburban sprawl
• We need Liveability, with amenities, infrastructure, quality of life, and a chance to pursue active lifestyles.
On transport connectivity, Gregson said dualling of the A9 and A96 remained essential priorities.
“Rail links compared to investment in Edinburgh Glasgow services, and Edinburgh’s trams are poor and unfit for the modern traveller.
“At present, the train from Inverness to Edinburgh takes 200 minutes to cover 156 miles, and the 100 mile journey from Inverness to Aberdeen takes over 2 hours 30 minutes.
“These need to be improved, and the journey experience has to offer tables, wi fi and power sockets.”
He also called for ferry fleet modernisation and stronger island representation within ferry services.
“The people of the Highlands and Islands did not give wholehearted support to any policy agenda in the election, and certainly demand better from our representatives.”
