Lib Dems condemn SNP ‘neglect’ in the Highlands on campaign trail

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has accused the SNP of stripping autonomy from Highland communities.

Mr Cole-Hamilton is campaigning in Fort William over the weekend as his party targets former SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford’s Ross, Skye and Lochaber seat.

Mr Blackford has already confirmed he will not contest the seat at the general election, expected next year, making it a priority for the Liberal Democrats – who have not held the seat since the party’s former leader Charles Kennedy was defeated in the constituency in 2015.

Speaking ahead of campaigning, Mr Cole-Hamilton said the SNP has overseen “a complete dearth of infrastructure spend” and an ageing ferry fleet.

He said Liberal Democrat candidate and Highland councillor Angus MacDonald will secure better opportunities for locals.

“For years, the SNP have removed autonomy from Highland communities, cut council budgets and singularly failed to stand up for rural issues,” Mr Cole-Hamilton said.

“Ian Blackford and the SNP have overseen a complete dearth of infrastructure spend and the north and west Highlands have had to make do with an ageing, creaking ferry fleet while new vessels fall ever further behind schedule and budget.

“Our Liberal Democrat candidate, Angus MacDonald, cares passionately about this area and its people.

“Angus will protect jobs, create opportunities and secure a better deal for people right across the region.

“He is already campaigning tirelessly on the issues that matter, such as replacing the Belford Hospital, rejuvenating local high streets and improving the A82.

“The residents of Ross, Skye and Lochaber deserve so much better than a centralising SNP and years of nationalist neglect.”