Backing local jobs, local businesses and local people
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s this:
You can’t build a strong community without a strong local economy.
And right now, too many people—families, workers and businesses alike—feel like they’re being squeezed from every direction.
This One’s Personal for Me
Before politics, I spent 17 years running my family’s village post office in Kinlochleven and later built my own private tour guiding business.
So when I talk about the economy, I’m not talking in theory—I’ve lived it.
I know what it’s like to:
- Worry about soaring energy bills you can’t pass on to customers
- Try to recruit and retain good staff
- Deal with endless bureaucracy that just makes running a business harder
And I know how frustrating it is when government decisions make things worse, not better.
That experience shapes everything I’m saying in this campaign.
The Reality Right Now
Scotland should be one of the best places in the world to start and grow a business.
But instead:
- High streets are struggling
- Costs are rising faster than income
- Businesses are being hit with sudden tax and rate increases
And too often, it feels like governments—of all stripes—have taken businesses for granted.
My Priorities for the Highlands
This isn’t about abstract economics—it’s about real jobs, real businesses, and real communities.
💷 Helping People Through the Cost of Living Crisis
Families and businesses are both under pressure.
We need to:
- Bring down energy bills through insulation and local energy generation
- Support those most vulnerable with targeted help
- Protect rural households from volatile fuel costs
Because in the Highlands, these pressures hit harder—and last longer.
🏪 Backing Small Businesses & High Streets
Small businesses are the backbone of our communities.
But they’ve been hammered by:
- The pandemic
- Rising costs
- Tax and rates pressures
👉 I will push for:
- Fairer business rates that don’t punish success. This must include full reform of business rates. Introducing complicated transitional rate reliefs is not the long-term answer.
- Support for hospitality, tourism and local services.
- Less bureaucracy and more practical support.
Because when local businesses thrive, our communities thrive.
📉 No More Sudden Tax Shocks
One of the biggest frustrations I hear is unpredictability.
Businesses can plan for change—but they can’t plan for sudden shocks.
We need:
- A stable, fair tax system
- No sudden hikes that threaten jobs and investment
- A government that actually understands how businesses operate
That’s the difference practical experience brings.
🌍 Fixing Our Relationship with Europe
Brexit has made life harder for businesses—especially in rural and tourism-dependent areas like ours.
We need to:
- Reduce trade barriers
- Make it easier for businesses to operate across Europe
- Open up opportunities for young people
Because right now, we’re holding ourselves back unnecessarily.
🛠️ Supporting Highland Industries
From tourism to energy, food and drink to small-scale manufacturing—the Highlands have huge potential.
But we need to actually back it.
👉 That means:
- A proper industrial strategy focused on Scotland’s strengths
- Investment in skills and training
- Support for self-employed people and microbusinesses
Including creating a dedicated support arm for small businesses through the Scottish National Investment Bank.
Jobs, Skills and Opportunity
A strong economy isn’t just about business—it’s about people.
We need to:
- Help people retrain and upskill
- Build stronger links between education and local jobs
- Support young people into work
Because too many communities feel like opportunity is something you have to leave the Highlands to find.
Green Growth That Benefits Communities
The Highlands are at the heart of Scotland’s renewable energy future.
But here’s the key point:
Local communities need to benefit from that.
We will:
- Invest in green jobs and infrastructure
- Build a skilled workforce for the future
- Ensure communities see a real return from energy developments
Because we shouldn’t just host these projects—we should benefit from them.
Getting Scotland’s Finances Back on Track
We also need to be honest about the bigger picture.
Scotland’s public finances are under real pressure.
That means:
- Spending money wisely
- Cutting waste
- Focusing on what delivers real value
Not making promises we can’t afford to keep.
Getting Stuff Done
One thing I’m proud of is this:
Liberal Democrats don’t just talk—we deliver.
From securing funding for businesses in the budget to backing colleges, apprenticeships and local investment, we’ve shown we can make a difference.
A Different Approach
For me, this isn’t about ideology.
It’s about:
- Understanding how businesses actually work
- Supporting people who take risks and create jobs
- And building an economy that works for everyone—not just the central belt
Because when local businesses succeed, the whole Highlands succeeds.
Want to Explore More?
👉 You can also read more about:
- Health & Social Care
- Energy bills and fuel costs
- [Transport & Infrastructure →] (coming soon)
- [Education & Young People →] (coming soon)
- [Housing & Communities →] (coming soon)
If you’re running a business—or thinking about starting one—I’d really like to hear your experience.
Because the best ideas don’t come from government—they come from the people actually doing the job every day.