Following her meeting with Edward Mountain MSP at The Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 7 September 2022, Councillor Isabelle Mackenzie said:
"I had opportunity while in Edinburgh to catch up with our MSP, Edward Mountain, who kindly took time out from his busy schedule to meet me. I was able to brief him on what has been happening at Highland Council and how the new Administration is shaping up - or not!
"Other topics we covered included matters often raised with me such as NHS waiting times, the state of our roads, and traffic problems. We talked about my recent appointment as one of the Older People’s Champions and Edward explained how I should liaise with those in Holyrood concerning any relevant policies being considered.
"I mentioned we would like to have more meetings with our MSPs and colleagues at Westminster to provide a Highland perspective on measures such as the legislation on Short-Term Lets, the Tourist Tax Levy, and the Rent Freeze that will impact on both the public and private sector.
"We discussed the potential UK Levelling-Up projects and what items we should stress in a forthcoming meeting with the new Minister concerned. One, of course, is the massive benefits to the Highlands offered by the Freeport at Cromarty.
"Overall, a very useful and productive meeting for us both. Thank you Edward."