Chamber
Plenary, 11 Jan 2007
11 Jan 2007 · S2 · Plenary
Item of business
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Highlands (Young People)
General Questions
The minister will be aware that ferry services are particularly important if we want to keep young people on our islands. Is he aware of what has recently happened on the island of Gigha, where there was a much-publicised community buy-out? On several occasions, dairy farmers have been unable to get their milk off the island and to the creamery in Campbeltown because the ferry could not get into the harbour at Tayinloan because it was too silted up. Will he please ensure that something is done about that?
In the same item of business
1. Mr Jamie Stone (Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross) (LD):
LD
To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to encourage young people to live and work in the Highlands. (S2O-11594)
The Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning (Allan Wilson):
Lab
Our key strategies, which include determined to succeed, our targeted support for people in the not in education, employment or training group and our fundin...
Mr Stone:
LD
Does the minister acknowledge that a major barrier to young people staying in the Highlands is the lack of affordable housing, particularly in areas of high ...
Allan Wilson:
Lab
I largely agree with that prognosis. We must get the fundamentals right, which means creating economic and employment opportunities. The record-high employme...
Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab):
Lab
It is highly appropriate that the minister who moved Scottish Natural Heritage's headquarters closer to the heritage that it is paid to monitor and protect i...
Allan Wilson:
Lab
I agree. The Executive and I take pride in the decision that took Scottish Natural Heritage to Inverness. Our relocation policy represents a good example of ...
Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP):
SNP
Recent ministerial answers show that more than 10 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds left Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross in 2000-01 and it is likely that ...
Allan Wilson:
Lab
I have referred to steps that I and people in other departments have taken to disperse jobs. The Executive remains committed to job dispersal as a whole.A di...
Mr Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con):
Con
The minister will be aware that ferry services are particularly important if we want to keep young people on our islands. Is he aware of what has recently ha...
Allan Wilson:
Lab
I will look out my spade. To take the issue seriously, I am not aware of those circumstances, but I will discuss what has happened with the Minister for Tran...