Ullapool farmer in the running to become SNP's Westminster candidate for far north
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
An Ullapool farmer in in the running to become the SNP's prospective candidate for the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross constituency.
Lucy Beattie, from Leckmelm, is hoping to win through the SNP selection process to face MP Jamie Stone in the Westminster election.
RELATED
Ms Beattie took over her family farm aged just 21 after tragically losing both her parents and has been managing it for more than 28 years now.
She is now also a part-time university lecturer, and is on her way to completing a PhD in education and social science.
She has first-hand experience of tourism, affordable housing, and livestock.
"We need politicians with real-world experience," she said. "And I can draw on a diverse career to speak for ordinary people."
Ms Beattie continued: "The Highlands are a vibrant and beautiful place to live and work. We are replete in natural resources from agriculture to forestry and renewables, but our local area also faces a unique range of problems and concerns. Sadly, there is a long history of asset-stripping in our area, and very little recourse for the people living here.
"We are in a very strong trading position with a vast potential for renewables, carbon credits and biodiversity credits. However, we are scuppered by Westminster as Scotland has no power over energy policy or international trade.
"If these resources are to be protected and traded, there needs to be proper community support, and a shared vision for assets that will support a better way of life for people who live here."
Ms Beattie, who has a long track record of activism in the wider Highland community was also one of the first Highland women selected for the Scottish Enterprise Rural Leadership programme in 2009, where she learnt about policy and process at Holyrood, Westminster, and Brussels.
She continued: "Historically, actions to protect our area have happened too late, or not at all. After the Highland clearances the Napier Commission report was brought too late to make a real difference to crofting.
"In modern times we have seen the rise and fall of the North Sea, and widespread job losses that have affected Highlanders after the financial crash in 2008.
"We have seen depopulation affect services and communities. We have seen the rapacious nature of commercial interests that 'invest' in our natural assets.
"I am a passionate advocate for Scottish independence – we must have the right to decide what kind of country Scotland should be.
"We have the capacity, a distinct legal system from the union, we have a our own parliament at Holyrood and outstanding academic institutions.
"Devolution does not go far enough, it never will, and a full transfer of powers means autonomy over Scotland’s fiscal policy, monetary policy, trade, energy and international affairs.
"Community is one of our strongest assets, it is not something that can be bought – it must be protected with careful investment. The time has come to be brave and to stand up for our rights as citizens living in the Highlands, and this is what I will fight for."
