North MSP hails Scottish Government plans and says they will deliver 'huge benefits' for the Highlands

THE Scottish Government's programme for the year ahead has been hailed by north MSP, Ariane Burgess, as one which will "deliver huge benefits for communities across the Highlands."

Ms Burgess, the Green MSP for the Highlands and Islands, spoke after First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon outlined her plans with the focus being on leading Scotland out of the coronavirus crisis. But she also said her proposals include investment and reform of the country's public services, including the setting up of a National Care Service

The First Minister said the changes will "arguably" be the most significant public service reform since the creation of the NHS more than 70 years ago.

While the priority will be on health and social care, child poverty, inequality, transport and climate change were also mentioned.

Ms Burgess, whose Scottish Greens have agreed a power sharing agreement with the SNP Government, said the measures announced will benefit communities across the Highlands by laying the foundations for "a just transition to a low carbon economy, securing a new deal for tenants, increasing funding for home energy schemes and tackling fuel poverty."

She said: "This is a historic programme for government that will deliver huge benefits for communities across the Highlands.

"The investment will allow us to begin the work of lowering emissions from Scotland’s buildings, an important measure as we bid to tackle the climate emergency, end fuel poverty and reduce energy bills.

"This programme for government paves the way for a just transition for workers too, as we move to a renewables powered future."

Ms Burgess added: "I’m particularly proud of our new deal for tenants. This programme commits us to delivering a new strategy within the next year which will include a system of rent controls to tackle the spiralling costs of those renting a home in the Highlands."

However, opposition parties were not so impressed and said the plans were "short of big ideas" and too focused on another independence referendum.

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