Dave Thompson MSP

It is welcome news that NHS Highlands’ plans for a new £12 million hospital in Aviemore have been given the go-ahead by the Scottish Government.

I am delighted that the Cabinet Secretary has so quickly endorsed the excellent work of NHS Highland and their community partners.

The momentum is developing and this speedy sign-off by the Scottish Government can only bring the new hospital development in Aviemore closer still.

But, in the meantime, there is still work to be done fleshing out on the details of the proposals, which I look forward to being revealed in due course, and on top of the great work already completed, it certainly bodes well for the future.

As someone who has been working long and hard on improving road safety on the A9, I am pleased that the publication of performance data shows the A9 average speed camera safety scheme has been successful in improving driver behaviour.

Significantly, the data revealed that HGV’s journey times are getting shorter, due to the 50mph HGV Pilot, and in some cases they have been reduced by 30 minutes on the route, which can only benefit the Highland economy.

This highlights that the carping on speed cameras has been political point scoring in a forlorn attempt to prevent Mr Alexander losing his Westminster seat.

I am delighted the Scottish Government is further investing in the Highlands as our ski centres benefit from an exciting infrastructure investment of £5.5 million.

Upgrades already undertaken at Cairngorm will strengthen an already vibrant Badenoch snow sports industry, supporting jobs and enhancing the mountain experience.

Although not in my constituency, the Lecht too will benefit from an upgrade to the current chairlift, tows and nursery, which will enhance the asset for many years to come and benefit the wider tourism industry in the Highlands.

My recent energy survey showed that 95% of those surveyed rejected the 2p per unit surcharge applied to electricity users in the Highlands and Islands, and that nearly 99% of the 1,700 replies received, backed public ownership of electricity production and supply.

I questioned the Scottish Government on this and I am pleased that they are raising the matter with Ofgem and the UK Secretary for State for Energy and Climate Change.

The constituency has reacted overwhelmingly against the 2p surcharge; therefore the UK Government must act forthwith to end the unfair charge applied to electricity customers in the Highlands and Islands, especially given the amount of renewable energy produced in the north.

The recent Ashcroft poll predicting an SNP win in the Strath at the General Election in May is great news, but as someone who has fought many elections, it is important not to take anything for granted.

Drew Hendry, who is standing for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, will be working hard until Election Day to ensure his success is further good news for Scotland and the Highlands.