Dentistry, textiles and farm inheritance
Dentistry
It is understandable that the news this week of patients being deregistered from Lerwick Dental Practice was met with shock and anger in the community. I have long been working with NHS Shetland and the Scottish Government to try to improve access to NHS dentists in Shetland, and share the view that the “independent practice” or “high street” model, where practices operate as private businesses, is clearly not providing the level of service that we need locally. Dentistry is not a ‘bolt on’ or ‘nice to have’ service but an important part of routine health care. I have written again to the Scottish Government to ask what action they can take as in Shetland there is now no alternative practice to provide routine NHS dental care.
Rural Affairs Committee
The Committee questioned the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, continuing the follow-up inquiry into salmon farming in Scotland. I asked why previous recommendations to allow for the movement of fish farms to more environmentally appropriate areas had not been followed up and questions on marine planning.
Proposed Inheritance Tax for farms
I responded on behalf of the Scottish Liberal Democrats on the impact of the UK Government’s reforms to farm inheritance tax rules. These proposals are a Treasury-driven tax hike and do not take into account the impact on our rural economies from farms right through the supply chain. The Scottish Government has tabled a similar debate next week on the impact of the UK budget on Scotland's rural areas which I hope to take part in.
Textile Gadderire
Saturday saw a gathering of the Shetland Textiles Network to discuss the future of textiles in the isles. The wool and textile sector has faced an uphill battle in recent times with the loss of valuable opportunities in textile education and training, alongside the closure of key facilities for weaving and machine knitting. That is despite of a boom in interest in wool and textiles over the past few years as demonstrated with the success of Shetland’s annual Wool Week which celebrated its 15th anniversary this year.
School visits
Next week, I will be visiting Mid Yell and Baltasound Junior High Schools. These visits and panel discussions, with Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament and Shetland Islands Council Convener, are a great opportunity for young people to get a better understanding of politics at local and national level.
New business in Lerwick
The wonderful smell of freshly baked bread will soon become a regular feature along the Esplanade following the setting up of a new bakers business. On Friday morning Alistair Carmichael and I called in to meet Logan Ruthven to hear what his plans are, and to wish him well with this exciting venture. He is working in the premises formerly known as The Garrett or, most recently, as the Phu Siam restaurant (now based at Glen Orchy Guesthouse). Older readers will recall it was once a shoe shop and the iconic boot on the building’s gable is a Lerwick landmark.