Editor – Happy New Year to you and all your readers.
As we take our first tentative steps into 2026 I am reassured that the new administration of the council led by the SNP and colleagues from the Lib Dems, Greens and Labour can make a difference for the people in Argyll and Bute.
This cooperative working in the real world of budgetary constraints from central government, UK and by necessity Holyrood, will focus our minds on what is important to our folks here in this part of beautiful Scotland.
As an SNP councillor I warned, with others, about the lies we were told during the referendum for Scottish Independence but alas being told we were too wee, too stupid and a fear about our currency and pensions swayed too many folk not to take the leap of faith.
Many folk, having watched the unfolding disaster of Covid and Brexit now realise that Brown, Blair and Darling lied through their teeth with their fearmongering about standing on our own two feet as a nation where the people are sovereign and not big business.
2026 can be the catalyst for change as we lead up to the Holyrood election. To my mind the people need to put a marker down to say enough is enough. As a democratically elected Council through proportional representation just like Holyrood, we need to reinforce the democratic principles Scots proudly protect whether supporting the Palastinians, protecting nature, climate and the environment, fighting for workers rights and a fairer distribution of wealth in a mixed economy of public and private sector cooperation.
The privatisation agenda can’t go any further in local government and indeed we need to reverse some of what’s happened.
Unfortunately, right wing overtones are starting to creep into the language used in the Council Chamber from certain individuals who are most definitely in the Farage, Trump and Truss schools of “political thought”. However, I have faith that the folk of Argyll and Bute can see through the lies and will vote accordingly.
I am delighted Reeni Kennedy Boyle is continuing the change of tack in opening up the Area Committee to resolve community issues through constructive dialogue with community councillors and community planning partners. The balance needs to be recalibrated and Voting for the SNP at the May election can only be the best route for Scotland by standing up for the truth with economic facts and what our social and moral obligations are for our fellow human beings. Getting it right at community level is essential.
However, it all boils down to money. As happened during the 1970’s the oil pipes went in and the oil flowed south asset stripping our natural resources. The same is happening today with our wind and hydro generated electricity with undersea cables taking it all south with limited opportunity for our people to benefit from cheaper prices. A real opportunity for our Scottish Government to finally “click and collect” for the residents of Scotland from years of being ripped off. Only an SNP government and Independence can do that. Full fiscal control of our finances will inject the necessary funds into critical public services.
At the end of every year its time to look back, reflect on what’s going on locally, nationally and Internationally, dust ourselves down but then look forward and agree to do what is truthful, right and just within a much treasured democratic system. The last year has made it clear to me, regardless of the politics, that our Health is our Wealth. Jenni Minto highlighted recently the major improvements in increased GP numbers, improved A&E figures and Health and Social Care improvements demonstrate we could do so much more for the people of Argyll and Bute with more money. Our youngsters have had a great educational start in their lives in preparation for a brighter future working here and around the world. For their sake and our own lets take that jump towards independence.
We are certainly not too poor or too stupid!
Constituents can make an appointment for one of my surgeries by getting in contact via the council email address: [email protected] where a location can be agreed or via Teams, Facetime or Zoom.
Cllr Gordon Blair Cowal Ward
