23rd April 2021
Caithness Chamber of Commerce was pleased to host a virtual hustings on 21 April to give its members the chance to hear from and ask questions of the candidates standing for the Caithness, Sutherland and Ross constituency in the Scottish Parliamentary elections.
Representatives of local businesses across a wide range of sectors were present for the event, where they heard from candidates as to how they would best support the business community of the North Highlands if elected.
Attendees also had the chance to ask questions of the candidates and these covered a wide range of business issues, from the impact of Brexit on the fishing industry to how best to reduce the tax burden on modern, technology-oriented businesses.
Trudy Morris, Chief Executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, said:
“We were delighted that the candidates were able to take time out of their busy schedules to attend and hear direct from our members on the issues that matter to them. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a real impact on businesses across the North Highlands and it is so important that politicians from all parties understand and act to address these.
“Businesses are at the heart of our communities, providing vital jobs and services and keeping our economy going. As we see the easing of restrictions and the gradual reopening of our economy, it is vital that businesses get the support they need and have strong support from their political representatives.
“The North Highlands faces a unique set of challenges and opportunities in the coming years. To ensure that businesses can face up to these, we will need strong and sustained investment in our transport and digital infrastructure, a tax system that does not penalise investment and growth, and a broad understanding amongst policymakers of the impact their decisions might have on rural economies.
“This election is amongst the most important Scotland has ever seen, and the decisions made by the next Scottish Government will have potentially huge ramifications for the Scottish economy. We would encourage candidates and leaders from all parties to read the Scottish Chambers Network’s Rally for Growth manifesto and to engage with their local business communities in the runup to voting day.”
