In the build up to the UK General Election on the 4th of July, fios has spoken to a number of candidates for the Western Isles and discussed five key topics with them — Renewable Energy; Peats and Peatland; Transport; Affordable Housing and International Politics.
Unlocking the Potential of the western Isles with Susan Thomson was the first of these reports, published in fios 654 at the beginning of April.
Unlocking the Potential of The Western Isles with Susan Thomson
fios 654 5th April 2024
By Netty Sopata
At the end of 2023 Susan Thomson, a serving Councillor at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, representing the Uibhist a Deas, Eirisgeigh agus Beinn Na Faoghla ward, was nominated as the SNP party’s candidate to contest the forthcoming Westminster General Election for Na h-Eileanan an Iar. With a background of working in the banking sector, Social Security Scotland and the Scottish Rural Network, it would be hard to argue against her credentials for this new role. But, there’s a long road to travel if she is to become elected as an MP, not least the one that will have to persuade voters to support her, and the SNP, instead of Labour’s new candidate Torcuil Crichton, or existing, and now Independent – Angus McNeil.
I had read in a Hebridean News report from December 2023 that Susan Thomson was keen to ‘unlock the potential of the Western Isles’. When I met with Susan in April, it was from this perspective that I was keen to understand more, what areas does she believe have the most potential to be ‘unlocked’?
“There are so many,” she answered. “But, food production is one that on a micro level, would be highly impactive. Not just in a way to attract tourists though – in a way that helps to sustain communities. Keeping as much food here as possible, and in doing so generating work and increasing the standard of living.” It would be hard to argue against this idea, who wouldn’t want to be less dependent upon the Ferries and increasing cost of food for sale in the supermarkets? And with a number of local initiatives amplifying the message, increasing the skill base of local producers, and the multiplying poly crubs, it is by no means a ‘blue sky’ ideal. “Of course, what would also help with this is a more reliable transport network. Tunnels are something that could improve an internal market structure for food throughout the Western Isles. There has been significant investment in the Ferries, but reliance upon them is problematic.” The Scottish Government’s ‘Island Connectivity Plan’ has identified that fixed links (tunnels/bridges) should be examined in closer detail for the Sound of Harris and the Sound of Barra. Albeit with due consideration being given to the mixed views expressed by communities, some of whom are concerned about a loss of island identity, increased road traffic and subsequent environmental impact.
“On a macro level” Susan continues, “there is huge potential in renewable energy. Opportunities through this could be transformable for the communities. The legislation may not support direct to community consumption, but that does not mean to say they will not benefit from them. Energy consumption is increasing. We know fossil fuels are damaging to the environment and I am un-supportive of Nuclear Power”. The headlines surrounding these issues, especially in relation to the current proposed off-shore wind farm development ‘Spiorad Na Mara’ are often, she points out, directly for, or against, but in reality there are many people who are balanced in between these areas. “Compromise is always required for communities to live and I have reached out to communicate with both sides of the current argument. Discussion and communication is key in any conflict of interest.”
The discussion surrounding renewables brings us neatly to another, recent headline. Solid fuel stoves. Recent amendments to the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004, has caused confusion amongst many, interpreting their content to mean that solid fuel stoves cannot be fitted in New Builds from 1st April 2024.
In a recent online report by STV, a spokesperson for the Scottish Government was quoted as saying: “Under the Standard wood burning stoves can still be installed in new homes to provide emergency heating where required. This recognises the unique needs of Scotland’s rural communities”. This clarification was released after our interview, but Susan was able to underline that existing solid fuel stoves were not under threat, and that the discussions only surrounded new builds. But, she also highlighted that society is now fully aware that burning fossil fuels harms the environment, and that the traditional, cultural heritage of communities need to be balanced alongside a sustainable future.
“These are all huge, unwieldy subjects,” acknowledged Susan, “and there is never a clear pathway through them.” I cannot help but agree, but having tackled some of the domestic areas close to home, I was keen to expand the perspective a little. There have been many reports in the national press with regards to Scottish Labour and the impact that their success in the General Election will have on removing the Conservatives from power. One BBC report detailed that 28 Scottish ‘Target’ seats have been identified by Labour. So I put the question to Susan; If people want a change in Westminster, and they control the money which is reducing the Scottish Government’s ability to invest in key public services such as Education, many people may be thinking that voting Labour would achieve a change, the values of a Labour government would be different, and the Scottish Government and people would benefit. What would you say to voters who are thinking this? “Well” she replied “Tactical voting is something that yes, could work south of the border. But I believe voters should vote for the party that best represents what they believe in. What they as a voter hopes for, and who they want to be represented by.”
There is of course, I point out, a new, strong, Labour Candidate – Torcuil Crichton, and of course the potential of a split vote between her and Angus Macneil. “Yes. But it’s not for me to limit the opportunities of the voters. The more the merrier as far as I’m concerned. The more choice people get, the better. People need to think about what is important to them and vote for who best represents what they believe in”.
This may very well be the case, but at the heart of the SNP agenda is undoubtedly independence for Scotland. This is not the place to analyse this debate in detail, but its presence cannot be ignored. With an on-going war in Europe, humanitarian disaster in Gaza, rising tensions with Iran and the potential of a President, (unsupportive of NATO or indeed anything logical) returning to power in the U.S, what, I wanted to know, would Susan say to voters who are concerned about how an independent Scotland would defend itself? “The UK reputation with the international community is very important, but the respect within the international community for the UK has fallen. The Scottish Government does not have an international remit. What is happening in Gaza is without question a collective punishment of a civilian population and Westminster is being compliant with it by standing around the edges. The armed services are not my field of expertise, but they too have been significantly underfunded. In short though, an independent Scotland would defend itself through improved international relations, we would rejoin the EU and commit more heavily to the UN and NATO. It’s also important to remember that at some point conflicts end, but only through conversation.”
Conversation and discussion is without a doubt a strength of Susan Thomsons. But politics, she is keen to voice, is not just about speaking: “I won’t always have all of the information to hand, but the role is just as much about representing and listening, as it is about talking.”
This series of interviews have been coordinated as part of The Scottish beacon’s Citizen’s Agenda Project: The Scottish Beacon — Community Empowerment