Rifkind to address Badenoch referendum audience

Britain's intelligence and security chairman will press the case against Scottish inde­pendence when he takes the stage in Badenoch at the start of next month.

Strath residents still trying to make up their minds ahead of the referendum will be able to quiz Sir Malcolm Rifkind when he ­visits Kincraig Community Hall on Tuesday, September 2.

The former Scottish Sec­retary’s visit will come just 16 days ­before the momentous vote takes place on whether or not Scotland should break away from the rest of the United Kingdom. Sir Malcolm will address the public and then hold a question and answer session on the referendum.

Now MP for Kensington, he served in various roles as a cabinet minister under Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and John Major, including Secretary of State for Scotland (1986-90), Defence Secretary (1992-95) and Foreign Sec­retary (1995-97).

While Scottish Secretary he gained a reputation as being a moderate voice on social and economic issues, and sometimes had disputes with Mrs Thatcher. He initiated major reforms in Scotland, including the pri­vat­isation of the Scottish elec­tricity ­industry and the Scottish Transport Group. He created Scottish Homes as the Govern­ment’s ­housing agency; and Scottish Natural Heritage, which combined both the Countryside Commission for Scotland and the Nature Conservancy Council.

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