Dave Thompson MSP

Three months ago, in this column I emphasised my support for local sports and fitness facilities across Badenoch and Strathspey. Just days beforehand MacDonald Aviemore Highland Resort (MAHR) had sadly chosen not to extend the contract with Highland HighLife and representatives of the group ‘Save our Swimming’ asked me to initiate discussion between HighLife and MAHR. I was only too happy to do this, and a few months later I am delighted to hear that after a lot of hard work, campaigning and discussions, not only will HighLife users be able to use the swimming facilities at the Resort, but the soft play area and the restaurants too. The enhanced deal which has been established for HighLife customers is mutually beneficial to HighLife and MAHR. In fact, I fear that Aviemore will soon be empty as residents head to Spain to enjoy a discounted holiday at a MacDonald hotel.

As I write this month’s column, I am looking forward to a debate in the Scottish Parliament on a radical piece of legislation which intends to tackle excessive alcohol consumption. The Alcohol Minimum Pricing Bill is uniting political parties, with the unfortunate exception of Labour, in the aim of solving Scotland’s unhealthy relationship with alcohol. The latest figures estimate that excessive alcohol consumption costs Scotland £3.56 billion a year on hospital, policing and unemployment bills. This is at a cost of £900 per adult whether you live in Aviemore or Advie, Kingussie or Kincraig, Carrbridge or Cromdale. This is money that could be better spent on improving or providing local services, for which I am constantly pressing.  Last November, the Scottish Government published the Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Bill as an effective and an efficient way to reduce alcohol consumption and the damage that so often accompanies it.

It is not tourists, or responsible drinkers who will be affected by the minimum price. Instead, the legislation will target heavy drinkers and young drinkers who go for cheap, poor quality alcohol. The minimum price will only affect cheap high strength drinks, like low-priced vodkas and ciders. In fact, most wines are already priced comfortably above the minimum price proposal of £4.13. The products that tourists generally buy when visiting the west coast, such as single malts, branded whiskies and Scottish beers, are all currently priced well above the minimum price threshold which puts a dram at 50pence.

Fatalities, injuries and violence are just a few of the ways that excessive alcohol consumption hurts our local communities and I’m sure we have all seen and experienced the pain and heartache that excessive consumption can cause. The affordability of alcohol has risen dramatically by 20% in the last ten years and imposing a minimum price on cheap booze will primarily target the heavy drinkers who cause most harm.

Further afield, the Westminster Government’s 2012 Budget is hitting tourists and first time buyers with a new VAT on static caravans. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, is increasing the VAT on static caravans from 0% to 20% from 1 October 2012. The irony is that the largest industry in Danny Alexander’s constituency is tourism, and the new VAT will inevitably damage the tourism industry. What is also concerning is that caravans are, for many first time buyers, the only option for getting on the property ladder. While couples in a new-build or a Principal Private Residence need not pay tax, those who are struggling to afford to buy a house will need to pay VAT on their first property. I have written to Mr Alexander in the hope that he recognises the magnitude of the potential damage this VAT increase could cause and reverse the decision to levy VAT on caravans.