Cromarty Rising

Sorry – thought this had gone out at midnight as usual but notice we’d put the wrong time on it – sorry to all those who read at breakfast!

The Gurn from Nurn has put up a number of videos from the protest the other day, interviewing some of our politicians and others – they are worth watching for a bit of insight into what our elected representatives think.

Gail Ross MSP (SNP) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkycddo3Abg – objects and supports the objectors. Good on you Gail!

Kate Forbes MSP (SNP) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YZlFVXqecQ&spfreload=10 – this one probably isn’t so good for non-gaelic speakers as it’s from BBC Alba News – she’s against STS too! Thank you Kate

Mark Ruskell MSP (Greens) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiC5-8kIfuw –  perhaps unsurprisingly, he’s against STS, describing the campaign as being of national importance. Mark was involved with the Firth of Forth campaign and brings a lot of insight – his video is well worth viewing. He also makes the good point that even if the MCA award this licence, we in Scotland could refuse to issue a protected species licence (necessary due to the dolphins being disturbed) and therefore effectively blocking this – who says its not a devolved matter?! Thanks for your support Mark.

Ian Rankin, author – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn333p3I24I – a man with Cromarty connections – he’s with us – he points outs that this was knocked back in the Firth of Forth and we need to do the same here – he’s right. Thank you Ian.

Richard Dixon, Friends of the Earth Scotland  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=722hho0FSkE  –  the oil industry trying to get away with a cheap dangerous practise in an area that is terribly important for wildlife. Thank you for your support!

Cllr Craig Fraser https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XRpAgUw-iQ – Black Isle Councillor and supporter from the start – take notice of the 24 Community Council that are against this! The wrong plan in the wrong place. Thank you Craig

Edward Mountain MSP (Conservative) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cq0qeNwfuho – he’s doing his own research into the issue based on the many emails he has received. He would like people to get in touch – email or write with you concerns so he can make an informed decision. Great – hope its the right decision and we look forward to working with you,

Fergus Ewing MSP (SNP) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrzi4c87L8s&t=94s – paid tribute to those making the journey down, but stopped short of offering full support. Reiterated the former party line of “its all down to Westminster” but at least acknowledged Marine Scotland have a part to play and he reminded us of the First Minister words about she is “unconvinced” that STS can be done safely in this location. Getting there but time to hop of the fence Fergus!

We did talk to many more MSPs than those listed including David Stewart of Labour (apologies for our initial post – David didn’t appear on video although we understand that an invitation has been extended to him)  – we are particularly pleased we have managed to keep this apolitical with good cross-party support.