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I have renewed calls for Bank of Scotland to pause plans to close its Balivanich branch after a new survey reveals the importance of cash to the Highlands and Islands economy. This comes in the wake of new research published in the Herald, showing that fewer than 5% of people living in the Highlands and Islands support a cashless society. Commenting on the poll, I said: These findings echo my own views and those of my constituents: our local community needs access to

Community-owned windfarms should be given priority connection to the national grid and communities entitled to take a 20 per cent stake in any onshore or offshore developments in their area, a powerful Commons committee has demanded. I welcome a report from the Commons Energy Committee where I am a sitting member, which has backed my calls for local communities have a far greater role in the renewable energy transition. The report provides a blueprint to transform communi

I have called for a pause in all bank closures until a government review of banking services is complete. I urged members of the community to make their voices heard in defence of island services as the Access to Banking Review opens for evidence this week. The Labour Government’s Review came about after rural MPs highlighted a series of banking closures, including the proposed withdrawal of the Bank of Scotland in Benbecula. The Review is examining the impact of change