Na h-Eileanan an Iar general election candidate Kenny Barker was this week joined
on the campaign trail by Highlands and Islands MSP Tim Eagle, as part of a series
of visits leading up to polling day.
The Scottish Conservative politicians visited the Kenneth Mackenzie Harris Tweed mill to learn about the value of Harris Tweed to the economy of the Western Isles.
They also toured Harland and Wolff’s yard at Arnish where the heard about its young apprenticeship opportunities.
Mr Barker and Mr Eagle then met with local residents in Stornoway, as they ramped up their campaign activity in the constituency.
Scottish Conservative and Unionist candidate for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Kenny Barker
said: “It was fascinating to meet with those working in these vital local industries,
to hear how they are creating good quality employment opportunities for young people,
and to hear how they re-invest into the wider community.
“We need to support strong local businesses like the Kenneth Mackenzie Mill, as well as encouraging larger firms like Harland and Wolff to invest in the Western Isles, to help upskill the existing local workforce, as well as creating opportunities for the workers of the future."
Highlands and Islands MSP Tim Eagle said: “High quality jobs such as those offered by the businesses we visited are absolutely essential to retaining young people in the Western Isles.
“I led a debate last week in the Scottish Parliament on resolving the rural depopulation crisis that Scotland faces, and it is only by government working with businesses, among other interventions, that we will reverse this worrying trend.
“The SNP has had its chance to make a difference in the Western Isles, and it has failed miserably.
“Only the Scottish Conservatives has proven that it will fight for our island communities, and that is why people should vote for Kenny Barker on July 4th.”
Conservatives underline importance of supporting Western Isles businesses
23 June 2024
