Cole-Hamilton continues top target constituency tour in Argyll & Bute

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton is continuing his tour of key target constituencies for the election, as he campaigns today (Monday 16th March) on the Isle of Bute with local candidate Alan Reid.

Alan was the Lib Dem MP for Argyll & Bute for more than ten years. He also previously served as a councillor for the Cowal Ward.

With Argyll & Bute having always been won by either the Liberal Democrats or the SNP at Holyrood elections, Alex called the seat “a two-horse race” between his party and the nationalists.

The Scottish Liberal Democrat leader highlighted how his party is delivering for the people of Argyll & Bute, including by:

• Embarrassing the SNP into extending their ferries compensation scheme to Mull, Islay, Jura, Barra and more, after these areas were originally excluded.
• Pressing for SNP ministers to widen the compensation scheme even further for affected coastal communities on the mainland, including Dunoon.
• Calling for the opening up of immediate sources of funds for businesses widely impacted by the disruption.
• Holding the SNP’s feet to the fire over their botched farm funding scheme, after it denied funding to 87% of the small farms around Oban which applied to it.
• Securing £178 million in this year’s Scottish Budget to support hospitality businesses through potentially crushing business rates rises.

The party recently led a debate in the Scottish Parliament about the SNP’s ferries fiasco. Scottish Liberal Democrats have also laid out plans for a new Ferries Bill, which will guarantee vessels are replaced on time and within budget.

Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

“We are showing just how much we can get done for the people of Argyll & Bute.

“Whether it’s calling out the SNP’s farm funding scandal, or getting compensation for everyone let down by the ferries nightmare, we will always stand up for the things that matter.

“Alan is a dedicated local campaigner with years of experience serving his communities. He loves Argyll & Bute and he’s got such a positive vision for its future.  

“Make no mistake: Argyll and Bute is a two-horse race between the Scottish Liberal Democrats and the SNP.

“The SNP have quite literally put Argyll & Bute on hold, whether it’s for embattled ferries or healthcare like GPs and NHS dentists.

“It’s time for change with fairness at its heart, and you can get that by backing the Scottish Liberal Democrats on your ballot paper in May.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Argyll & Bute Alan Reid said:

“Over the past nineteen years, the SNP have squandered every chance to deliver for Argyll & Bute.

“I want to get our communities moving again: fixing the Rest and Be Thankful, ending the ferries scandal, restoring NHS dentistry and getting people GP and hospital appointments when they need them.

“I can’t stand by and watch the SNP unleash more failures for Argyll & Bute.

“This election needs to be about change with fairness at its heart. Only the Scottish Liberal Democrats have a realistic plan to deliver it.”