Scottish Conservative and Unionist candidate Struan Mackie for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross is pledging to back Scotland’s military personnel and their families.
This bill would further enshrine the Armed Forces Covenant into law in Scotland for devolved services including local authorities such as Highland and the NHS, while also encouraging businesses in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross to sign up to the Covenant.
The Scottish Conservatives are also pledging to introduce a specific help to buy scheme to support veterans and their families when buying a home in Scotland, with the SNP shutting down a previous scheme.
Veteran households in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross that are in receipt of Universal Credit will be able to receive an extra £520 per year under the party’s plans if they fall into financial distress.
Struan Mackie says further enshrining the Covenant into law will help serving and former military personnel access jobs, education, the property market and healthcare which will support communities and the local economy in the Far North.
Commenting, Scottish Conservative and Unionist candidate Struan Mackie said: “Communities in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross have played an essential role in our military history.
“However, warm words praising our personnel are simply not enough.
“All too often, too many of our veterans are failed and their sacrifices are not recognised. By enshrining the Armed Forces Covenant into law, we can guarantee our military personnel in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross will have access to vital services.
“The Scottish Conservatives are standing shoulder to shoulder with our armed forces and our veteran community. We have already ensured that personnel stationed in Scotland are not being hit by the SNP’s higher rates of income taxes.
“These pledges show our commitment to truly valuing the sacrifices that our Armed Forces have made. It will help them transition into civilian life and play a key role in the communities they live in.
“I am committed to ensuring servicemen and women who wish to make Caithness, Sutherland and Ross their home know that they will be treated as heroes.”