Stronger together
It seems First Minister Nicola Sturgeon continues to spend millions of pounds of tax-payers’ money on her quest to split the United Kingdom.
Her recent ‘economic case for independence' statement, between the lines, illustrates why Scotland would, by far, have a sounder economy remaining within the UK.
Of particular interest locally was an admission that should an independent Scotland rejoin the EU, as the SNP propose, checks would be required on goods crossing at Gretna and along the borderline to and from our largest trading partner.
I never question the passion of those who vocally advocate splitting Scotland from the UK but I clearly do doubt their judgement.
Constituents express to me their frustration when, on various media, independence campaigners erroneously imply that they speak for all Scots. That is far from the case.
Now, as the world faces continuing Covid, Ukraine War and inflation concerns, it is certainly not a time for another destructive and divisive separation referendum.
Safety first
I have raised with Historic Scotland why so many of our region’s castles, abbeys and other places-of-interest in their care have been closed or had limited access for some months.
I was contacted by visitors and others involved in local tourism worried that disappointed guests chose to travel to other regions and the Lake District because of the limited access to local sites.
Historic Scotland’s operations director, Craig Mearns, has been in touch to explain that a prioritised programme of safety checks and repairs are underway in light of weather-related concerns about unstable masonry causing a danger to visitors and staff.
He assures me that the pro-active examination and, where necessary, repair work are progressing well and urges those interested in our built heritage to check the Historic Scotland website for updates.