Dave Thompson MSP

Today Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch was delighted to visit New Start Highland at their main depot in Carsegate, Inverness and meet with the Chief Executive, James Dunbar.

New Start Highland is a Social Enterprise which helps people to furnish their home on taking on a new tenancy, helps them manage their tenancy, gives training and assistance to help people back into the work environment, and they also sell reconditioned electrical items, furniture and bicycles.

The Enterprise operates throughout Inverness, Badenoch, Nairn, Easter Ross, the Black Isle and Lochaber.

Commenting on his visit Dave said: “I was absolutely delighted to meet James and the staff at the New Start Highland depot today.

“I am very impressed by the highly professional way in which New Start Highand operate as a Social Enterprise.  It is an excellent business model combining assistance to those in need and helping them to transform their own lives and recycling unwanted electrical, furniture items and bikes that would otherwise be sent to landfill.

“Operating throughout my constituency of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, I am delighted to support such a venture which helps people in dire straits take control of their own destinies and return to being members of society with pride and the ability to contribute to that society without fear or shame.

“New start exists to enhance the quality of life of those who use the services provided, which makes it possible for people to realise their potential.  The environment creates opportunities that are accessible and reinforces the requirement that the right to be treated with dignity and respect should apply to all.

“As a result, I have a great deal of respect for the work they do and I am especially heartened that local communities are in a position to take advantage of the fantastic services on offer”

James Dunbar, Chief Executive of New Start Highland added: “I am always pleased to engage constructively with local and national government as we work together to support people who have been long term unemployed.  It is vital that we help people who are out of work gain meaningful, sustainable employment; by doing so we not only have helped the individual, but also their new employer and, the wider economy.  Our programmes at New Start Highland work because they are focussed on the individual, supporting each person on their own journey.”