Highland Unionist visit to the Outer Hebrides

Having visited the lovely island of Shetland some days ago, today I met residents and workers of the Outer Hebrides. I began my visit in beautiful Carloway, to visit the Harris Tweed manufacturing plant. There is a true intensity in the skill, pride, and dedication that I witnessed in the men and women working there, as they made some of the finest jackets that Scotland, and the world, has to offer. I joined a group of workers for lunch, and discussed, amongst other things, the state of the Union, and our plans to encourage Scottish exports, to Europe and the developing world. It seems to me that there is real desire for a centre-ground, unionist, patriotic candidate in the Outer Hebrides; I can only hope that if elected, I can stand up for those interests to the best of my ability.

In the afternoon, I decided to visit the town of Stornoway, for an informal meeting with residents to hear their views, and learn what I can do for them. One issue that came up often was the absolute necessity of proper transport links for Stornoway, and the rest of Lewis. It is needless to say that if elected, a large part of what I would be fighting for, for the Islands, is effective transport. Having represented Wales in parliament for two terms, I understand fully the difficulties faced by many rural communities in infrastructure, and development of transport links.

The final stop in Lewis was the Hebridean Brewing Company. British businesses much like this, and Harris Tweed, are often great displays of the ingenuity of our businessmen and women, and are a part of what makes Scotland so unique. I was greeted very warmly, despite the weather, and presented with a bottle of delicious Islander Ale. Needless to say, this was one of the best responses I’ve gotten on the campaign trail so far, and I met a group of voters and activists, several of whom were Councillors, who worked in or around the plant, who were very numerous, and a real pleasure to meet.

It should be mentioned that I believe strongly that a campaign that isn’t about preaching a dogmatic doctrine, but is about talking to as broad a range of people as possible, is a far better way of really understanding what people need you to stand for in parliament. My campaign will intend to meet you, the person with a vote - the citizen. I want to be the most accessible candidate, and I will answer any question thrown at me with truth. That is something that win or lose, I will pride myself on.

I’ll leave this statement with my favourite quotes on Scotland, which feels deeply true when one visits such places as lovely as the Outer Hebrides; “Of all the small nations of this earth, perhaps only the ancient Greeks surpass the Scots in their contribution to mankind” - Winston Churchill. It is often said, but I must admit, it rarely ceases to be true.

• Wagbo