Reopenings “a welcome step forward” in recovery says Badenoch hopeful
Jamie Halcro Johnston, Scottish Conservative candidate for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, has welcomed the reopening of local businesses across the region as Scotland moves into Level 3 coronavirus restrictions today.
“It has been a tough few months for many local businesses," he said.
"While non-essential retail has been closed since Christmas, much of our hospitality and tourism sector has suffered restrictions for even longer.
“Now we are beginning to see the positive effects of the United Kingdom’s world-leading vaccination programme as the virus recedes.
"This is a welcome step forward and will make life seem that little bit more normal."
Of course, economic recovery would not happen overnight, he stressed.
"Many businesses have been battling hard to keep afloat. I am sure that our communities will be there to support them where they can.
“Thousands of jobs across the Highlands depend on tourism – and it will be some time before we see that part of our economy back on a positive footing.
“And we shouldn’t forget the toll this has taken on individuals. The effects of isolation and loneliness have been severe. Our NHS is suffering from a backlog of diagnosis and treatment. Young people have missed out on a normal education."
It was a reminder that all those standing for election on May 6 had to be absolutely focused on building that recovery, supporting local jobs and getting people and businesses the help they were going to need in the coming months and years.
"It has been an unprecedented time for our country and will demand all our efforts to get things moving again.”
