YOUR VIEWS: Pressing problem can be tackled with Highland Council’s support
Barbie Miller is not alone in being concerned at the vandalism, cost and lack of toilet facilities provided by Highland Council (letter Strathy, 19th June 2025).
There are several businesses open long hours such as garages, shops, hotels, restaurants and campsites that maintain facilities for their staff and customers.
Our local authority uses our taxes to provide and maintain facilities that are also provided and maintained by local businesses.
It would be more cost effective for the council to financially support local businesses to maintain their facilities for public use, not just for their own staff and customers.
Our local authority should support our local businesses to provide the services and facilities we require rather than trying to compete with them.
Jamie Williamson
Alvie Estate Office
Kincraig.
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Fergus Ewing is good for Holyrood
I was pleased to read that Fergus Ewing has decided to stand as an Independent candidate in next year’s election for MSPs.
Whilst not a supporter of the SNP, I have always admired Fergus Ewing in his role as MSP for Inverness and Nairn where he has represented his constituents in an honourable manner, this despite having to disagree with his party’s political stance on a lot of matters.
It must be remembered that we, the electorate, choose an MP/MSP to represent our wishes and not always the wishes of the ruling party.
The existing body of inhabitants in Holyrood leave a lot to be desired (and will be even more depleted by those with some experience not standing next year) so we do need a person of Fergus’ standing to maintain some semblance of authority there. I do hope that the electorate of Inverness and Nairn will continue to support and re-elect Fergus knowing that he will do his utmost to look after their interests.
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Good luck, Fergus. Keep up the good work.
Aubrey Moore
Elgin.
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Gaelic is rich part of Scots’ heritage
I am delighted that the national importance of Gaelic has been recognised, unanimously, by the Scottish Parliament.
Gaelic is more than a language, it is part of the cultural identity of our nation. It is heritage and history, vital to the story of Scotland’s sovereignty and indeed predates English by well over 1000 years.
For those detractors that say it is a dead and useless language and a financial drain, I say shame on you.
Through centuries of oppression and abuse Gaelic has survived and now with music and the arts and a longing for independence, there is a resurgence.
Only in knowing the history of your country, can there ever be confidence in its future destiny.
Wrapped around its ancient Celtic identity, Scotland remains a reawakening nation that has, in the past, given much to the world.
Grant Frazer
Newtonmore.
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Brexit has been a disaster for trade
In case you weren’t aware of it, this week marks the ninth anniversary of the Brexit referendum. Despite pledges of “sunny uplands” from those who advocated for withdrawal from the EU, the negative warnings relating to Brexit have been largely borne out.
Withdrawal from the EU has blown a £40 billion tax hole in the public finances between 2019 and 2024, according to a forecasting audit that finds the Office for Budget Responsibility’s projections on the impact of leaving the EU have broadly materialised.
This equates to an estimated 4 per cent loss in the UK’s long-run productivity, borne out by declining investment and trade volumes, in a period in which the government raised taxes by £100 billion.
A large chunk of these rises would therefore not have been necessary if the UK had voted to remain in the EU. At a time when the Labour government is desperate to revive productivity and repair the public finances, it is trying to do this with one hand firmly tied behind its back.
The OBR said the full impact of leaving the EU would be felt over 15 years and estimates a staggering drop of 15 per cent in trade volumes, compared with if the UK had stayed in the bloc.
Brexit has severely damaged the UK economy, of that there is little doubt, and is now acknowledged by the public. It is now for the politicians to acknowledge the greatest economic folly of a generation and seek re-admission into the EU.
Alex Orr
Edinburgh.
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Communities are being put first but not in Highlands
The recent decision by South Ayrshire Council to abandon plans for a tourist tax is a welcome development that should be applauded.
As other councils, notably Highland and Edinburgh, move forward with such initiatives, South Ayrshire's choice stands as a testament to what happens when local leaders put their communities first.
Tourism is a vital sector that drives economic growth and supports thousands of jobs across Scotland.
Imposing a tourist tax could unnecessarily burden visitors and deter tourists from exploring our beautiful region.
Instead, we should seek ways to encourage visitation, enhancing the overall experience rather than making it financially burdensome.
The abandoned plans reflect a growing recognition among local authorities that balanced policies can foster tourism while still delivering on necessary public funding without penalising the very economy they aim to support.
Councillors should focus on promoting local attractions and leveraging partnerships with businesses ratherthan enacting taxes which can dilute the vibrancy of their communities.
As we look to nurture Scotland’s tourism industry, it’s essential for councils to remain vigilant and consider the long-term implications of such decisions.
By shelving the tourist tax, South Ayrshire is paving the way for other councils to reconsider their approach and embrace solutions that both support community needs and attract visitors.
Let us all advocate for policies that champion our beloved Scotland, striking a balance that promotes local economies while ensuring that tourism flourishes.
Alastair Majury
Dunblane.
