Cole-Hamilton: Swinney must improve Highland healthcare

This weekend Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP will campaign in Inverness and Caithness where he will call on the newly elected First Minister, John Swinney, to improve Highland healthcare and services and set out his party's alternative liberal vision for communities.

Mr Cole-Hamilton will campaign alongside Angus MacDonald, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire.

The seat is one of the top targets for the Scottish Liberal Democrats at the next general election. It takes in many of the same communities as Charles Kennedy’s former constituency, which the Liberal Democrats are working hard to win back from the SNP.

Mr Cole-Hamilton will then campaign with Jamie Stone MP in Caithness.  

Mr Cole-Hamilton said:

“For many in the Highlands, John Swinney’s appointment will mean more of the same dismal offerings dealt to them year after year by a tired SNP government.

“Local people feel abandoned by ministers in Edinburgh and London. From healthcare to housing, they feel as if no one in government is listening to what they need.

"I sincerely hope that John Swinney can do better for the Highlands, but I am not persuaded this is possible when he has been complicit in failing communities for 17 years.

“It doesn’t have to be this way. Our candidate, Angus MacDonald, stands for an alternative liberal vision- a passion for community and public service backed by hard work and dedication. That’s why he has been campaigning tirelessly to end long journeys for NHS treatment, invest in infrastructure and rejuvenate local high streets. People can expect that service all year round if they back the Liberal Democrats.

“At the forthcoming election, everyone knows that this seat is going to be a straight fight between the Liberal Democrats and the SNP. People deserve someone who will finally put their interests first, and they will find that fresh start in local Liberal Democrat Angus MacDonald.”