Dave Thompson MSP

I used a recent Members Business Debate in the Scottish Parliament to bring forward a motion; “Highlighting the Plight of Persecuted Christians”.

As well as drawing attention to the numerous examples of Christian persecution around the world, I was keen to take the time to highlight that regardless of religious persuasion, it is important for Scotland to be seen as a fair-minded country —free from religious, racial and other intolerances. The right for people to have and express faith, and the right to have no faith will be enshrined in the Constitution of a newly independent Scotland and as convenor of “Christians for Independence” I will be campaigning to have this expressed in the most forthright terms.

Despite there being examples of Christian persecution in Muslim countries, I do not believe that Islam is a threat and in demonstrating this view, it is imperative that we show solidarity with all persecuted people, no matter their religion.

I am aware that a significant number of people in the Highlands and islands hold their religion dear. We are fortunate that we are able to practise our faith without fear of retribution, whatever that faith may be, and for that we should thank God.

It is important to recognise that not all Christians have the freedom to express their religion in a way that many in our country take for granted, so for those facing persecution we should not only pray, but we should highlight issues of persecution and intolerance where and when we find them.

I met with Kenny MacAskill, Cabinet Secretary for Justice, to discuss the on-going public concern over police officers routinely carrying sidearms in the Highlands and I am reassured that the review meeting in September will take representations from myself and other politicians seriously. I accept the need for a Standing Firearms Authority and I am confident that the matter of arming police will be dealt with in a sensitive manner.

The use of a Standing Firearms Authority has been the subject of rigorous debate and speculation recently, which is why I have already written to Sir Stephen House, Chief Constable of Police and why I raised the issue in the Chamber.

I would also like to welcome the fact that since my meeting with the Cabinet Secretary the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) have announced a complementary programme of review and inquiry into the policy and that the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) has revealed that they will consider the public impact of Police Scotland's decision around firearms deployment, which is fantastic news.

It is welcome news that Eigg Primary School has received a £6784 grant from Awards for All that will help the school update their outdoor playground area.

I am particularly looking forward to finding out how the school is progressing with the alterations to the outdoor playground area, which will be of enormous benefit to young children, as they gain from getting the chance to enjoy themselves in a better equipped environment.           

I am pleased that after several substantive talks with the managing director of Scottish Citylink, Liz Esnouf, to press for improvements to the Skye to Glasgow bus route, that coach operator Scottish Citylink decided to re-launch the service with significant improvements. As a result, I was kindly invited by Liz to participate in the launch of this new improved service in Kyleakin on Monday the 28th of July where I was able to witness for myself two of the nearly new coaches that will operate on the important route, which is great news for local people in Skye and on the route through Fort William, where quality coach links are vital to those communities. It is particularly gratifying that two local companies will run the new service, West Coast Motors and Shiel Buses.

My referendum debating diary is filling up fast. By the time you read this, I will have put the case for a yes vote in Edinbane Hall, Skye on the 26th of August, then again at Sabhal Mor Ostaig on the evening of the 27th of  August and again at Dornie Hall on the 28th of August.

I will be speaking again in Dornie Hall on the 10th of September, Caol proposed for the 15th of September and provided the publication date of the Westword is prior to these dates, I hope to see as many of you as possible there.

The feedback from our “Yes” volunteers is that the independence campaign is engaging and energising the general public like never before and that not only are more folk intimating they intend to vote in favour of Scottish independence but that they are actively encouraging their friends and family to do so too.

Many folk are volunteering in earnest when they have never volunteered before, serving as an insight into just how much support the Yes campaign has gained in recent months and I fully expect that momentum to continue right up to the big day on September 18.