Dave Thompson MSP

I was delighted to attend Kinlochleven High School on Friday 4th April for their Referendum Debate. I spoke for "Yes" and Labour MSP David Stewart spoke for a "No". The school then held a mini referendum vote and the result for all 150 out of the 160 pupils that took part was that while 57 pupils votes YES to Scotland's Independence, 93 voted No and 10 chose not to vote.  While this may look like a disappointing result for the YES campaign, to me this tells me that it is still all to play for in the Referendum debate and we must work hard to show our young adults the benefits that Independence can bring. After all, these young people are the ones that will take control of an Independent Scotland in the future and it is great to see how enthusiastically they are getting involved in the debate now.

My thanks go to Mr John McGilp, the teachers and pupils of Kinlochleven High School for allowing me the privilege of being a part of their mock referendum.  It was very good to see the young folk of Kinlochleven High School get involved in the democratic process.  My particular thanks would also go to senior pupils Owen Smith and Rowena MacIntosh for their part in the debate process in supporting the YES vote.

The questions I faced from the pupils were well constructed and researched and showed that they have thought about the Referendum and the opportunities that are available for them with Independence.  These young adults are definitely a credit to their school and their families.

I am now looking forward to the next Referendum debate in Portree High School later in the year.

I was also delighted to travel to the glorious Isle of Canna on Tuesday 8th April to open the new Community Shop there.  It was a real delight for me to be asked to do this and to meet with members of the local community.  The Isle of Canna Community Development Trust has worked very hard to get this shop open and I hope that, in time, the National Trust for Scotland can find a way to hand it over to the community so they can take control of their own future .  It is heartening to hear of the hard work that the Development Trust are doing to look to the future regeneration of the Island Community.  I understand that they have a 5 year development plan in place and with membership of the Development Trust Association Scotland they are moving forward as a community and they have high hopes for the future of the Island.

It was also a real treat to meet the newest members of the community.  The Island now have a population of 19 and I wish them all the best for their future on Canna.   It is encouraging to see new folk moving to Canna and I look forward to welcoming more new members in the future.

I have also recently been appointed as a member of the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee in the Scottish Parliament.  The Committee's work not only focuses on climate change but also on agriculture, fisheries, rural development, wildlife crime, deer management and land reform, all of which are areas of concern that currently have impact throughout my constituency.  For example, agreed in the Committee's work programme will be to take evidence on the implementation of the newly reformed CAP in Scotland.  I am delighted to have the opportunity to assist in overseeing this important process.

I have surgeries coming up in May in Fort William (11am) and Caol (12.15pm) on Friday 16th May.  These will be advertised in the local press.  Posters will also be sent out to local shops, post offices and community centres.  Remember there are no appointments needed.  If you cannot attend a surgery, please don't hesistate to contact my office on 01349 864701 or in writing to Thorfin House, Bridgend Business Park, Dingwall, IV15 9SL.  My email address is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and you can get me on Twitter @Davytmsp.  It does not matter how big or small your problem is, I am always happy to help, give advice, and answer questions.