MSP backs 20's plenty campaign
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HIGHLANDS and Islands MSP Edward Mountain is supporting Golspie Community Council's campaign to reduce the speed limit on the A9 running through the village from 30mph to 20mph.
The Conservative politician met community council members when he held a surgery in the village last week.
A Members' Bill is currently making its way through the Scottish Parliament which, if passed, would make 20mph zones mandatory in built-up areas. However, Mr Mountain said: "I think a blanket 20mph restriction is wrong – the limits should be reduced where appropriate. I support a policy whereby a community can call for speed restrictions where they believe there is a requirement for it.
"As far as the situation in Golspie is concerned, my feeling is that it is appropriate because of the sharp bends at the north end of the village and because the A9 runs through the village."
Mr Mountain's Golspie stop-off was part of a summer tour that saw him travel more than 2000 miles and hold more than 60 surgeries across the region.
He said that by far the biggest concern that people were raising with him was Highland Council's proposed, cost-cutting closure of public conveniences. A review is currently underway but 29 toilets have been earmarked for closure.
Mr Mountain said: "Everywhere I go, people are saying to me that they want the toilets to be kept open. There is also a general feeling that we ought to be doing more to allow camper vans and motor home owners get rid of their waste.
"This is a saving that does not need to be made and I'll be lobbying the council to reverse their decision."
