Dave Thompson MSP

I used a recent Members Business Debate in the Scottish Parliament to bring forward a motion; “Highlighting the Plight of Persecuted Christians”.

As well as drawing attention to the numerous examples of Christian persecution around the world, I was keen to take the time to highlight that regardless of religious persuasion, it is important for Scotland to be seen as a fair-minded country —free from religious, racial and other intolerances. The right for people to have and express faith, and the right to have no faith will be enshrined in the Constitution of a newly independent Scotland and as convenor of “Christians for Independence” I will be campaigning to have this expressed in the most forthright terms.

Despite there being examples of Christian persecution in Muslim countries, I do not believe that Islam is a threat and in demonstrating this view, it is imperative that we show solidarity with all persecuted people, no matter their religion.

I am aware that a significant number of people in the Highlands and islands hold their religion dear. We are fortunate that we are able to practise our faith without fear of retribution, whatever that faith may be, and for that we should thank God.

It is important to recognise that not all Christians have the freedom to express their religion in a way that many in our country take for granted, so for those facing persecution we should not only pray, but we should highlight issues of persecution and intolerance where and when we find them.

I met with Kenny MacAskill, Cabinet Secretary for Justice, to discuss the on-going public concern over police officers routinely carrying sidearms in the Highlands and I am reassured that the review meeting in September will take representations from myself and other politicians seriously. I accept the need for a Standing Firearms Authority and I am confident that the matter of arming police will be dealt with in a sensitive manner.

The use of a Standing Firearms Authority has been the subject of rigorous debate and speculation recently, which is why I have already written to Sir Stephen House, Chief Constable of Police and why I raised the issue in the Chamber.

I would also like to welcome the fact that since my meeting with the Cabinet Secretary the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) have announced a complementary programme of review and inquiry into the policy and that the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) has revealed that they will consider the public impact of Police Scotland's decision around firearms deployment, which is fantastic news.

It is welcome news that Lochaline Primary School has received a £10,000 Awards for All grant and that the money will be used to develop its grounds into an outdoor play space for those attending the school and the wider community.

The grant for Lochaline Primary School is tremendous for those children who are set to gain enormously when the work is complete, as it will allow the children to develop their skills in a fun, friendly and safe environment and I look forward to being updated on the progress of the initiative.

I am pleased that after several substantive talks with the managing director of Scottish Citylink, Liz Esnouf, to press for improvements to the Skye to Glasgow bus route, that coach operator Scottish Citylink decided to re-launch the service with significant improvements. As a result, I was kindly invited by Liz to participate in the launch of this new improved service in Kyleakin on Monday the 28th of July where I was able to witness for myself two of the new fantastic coaches that will operate on the important route, which is great news for local people in Skye and on the route through Fort William, where quality coach links are vital to those communities. It is particularly gratifying that two local companies will run the new service, West Coast Motors and Shiel Buses.

My referendum debating diary is filling up fast. I will be putting the case for a yes vote in Edinbane Hall, Skye on the 26th of August at 7.30pm, Then again at Sabhal Mor Ostaig on the evening of the 27th August, Dornie Hall on the 28th   of this month, Mallaig/Arisaig proposed for the 5th of September (full details to be confirmed), again in Dornie Hall on the 10th of September and Caol proposed for the 15th of September.

As well as myself, the panelists for the evening of the 28th in Dornie will be Charles Kennedy MP (representing Better Together), former MSP Alasdair Morrison (representing Better Together) and local businessman Ian Blackford (representing Yes), Maggie Cunningham (Highland Free Press Columnist and Chair for the evening).

The feedback from our “Yes” volunteers is that the independence campaign is engaging and energising the general public like never before and that not only are more folk intimating they intend to vote in favour of Scottish independence but that they are actively encouraging their friends and family to do so too.

Many folk are volunteering in earnest when they have never volunteered before, serving as an insight into just how much support the Yes campaign has gained in recent months and I fully expect that momentum to continue right up to the big day on September 18.