Although even the Old New Year will have passed when this is printed, I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and best wishes for the months to come.

People will be well aware of the exceptional weather suffered by many parts of Scotland, including the islands, during January. It is worth recording thanks for the Comhairle staff and contractors who worked for so long in such conditions to keep island roads clear.

I am also pleased that pressure from my SNP colleagues in Westminster managed to secure a commitment from the Department of Transport to relax EU drivers’ hours and working-time rules for those hauliers involved in the distribution of de-icer products direct to airports across Scotland.

Eastern Airways

I met recently with Eastern Airways to discuss serious concerns of some of their customers who work in the offshore industry. Since timetable changes, it has been virtually impossible to get a flight from Stornoway to Aberdeen that actually connects with helicopters going offshore, leading to people having to make additional overnight stays away from home.

Welcome as Eastern Airways service is, I believe we should be aiming for a service that encourages rather than discourages offshore workers in the islands to continue to live here. This is an issue I have now also made HIE and the Transport Minister aware of.

Potentially the most significant measure coming before Parliament in the next few weeks is the Referendum Bill.

This is a bill which will give everyone in Scotland the right to vote for how they would best like to see their country’s constitutional future develop. It is about giving people a direct democratic choice on independence. Regardless what stance people take personally on that issue, most people want to have a say on it. They should be allowed that say.