Badenoch’s horseman mounts his Holyrood challenge with new party
As previewed in the Strathy, a new political party has now been formed officially to contest next year’s Holyrood elections on behalf of the ‘people of the land’.
One of the founders is Badenoch businessman and crofter Ruaridh Ormiston, who told the Strathy this week: “The Scottish Rural Party has been created out of our passion to save our people, land and communities from further clearances.”
The party will focus on farming, fishing, crofting and land-based communities,
Founded by former Scottish Farmer editor Alasdair Fletcher and Mr Ormiston, the party aims to field list candidates in each of the country’s eight regions.
“We are about rebuilding and defending the rural economy,” said the boss of Kingussie’s Highland Horse Fun.
“Our particular focus is on halting rural depopulation, supporting traditional industries and restoring pride in Scotland’s cultural and agricultural heritage.”
The party also intends to back small rural businesses, the whisky industry and local services, such as schools, post offices and pubs.
“It is all happening very fast!” said Mr Ormiston.
“My region of Highlands and Islands is half the land mass of Scotland, from the top of the Shetland Isles to the south of Argyll - just 14 miles short of Ireland - and all the Western Isles.
“I’ve not idea yet how I am going to cover all that territory between now and the elections in early May but I will have fun visiting all the communities and participating in all The Hustings.”
Advice has come from some strange quarters - technically his opposition, the present incumbent.
“Fergus Ewing and Kate Forbes are both advising me and Fergus had said he will endorse me and I will be able to mention him in my election leaflets.
“I’m really excited about the campaign.”
