Highlands MSP made Shadow Environment Minister

Jamie McGrigor, Highlands & Islands Conservative MSP, has been appointed as the new Shadow Environment Minister by Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie MSP as part of her reshuffle of Conservative Shadow portfolios at Holyrood.

Jamie will move from his Communities & Sport remit to shadow the SNP Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham. Over the last 3 years as Communities Spokesman with responsibility for housing Jamie has been a vocal supporter of local authority housing stock transfer and has argued against further restrictions on the right to buy; he has also pressed the Scottish Government to improve the Rural Empty Properties Grant scheme so that empty and derelict buildings in the countryside can be utilised as affordable homes.

“Good rapport”

Speaking today at Holyrood Jamie, who has also previously served as Fisheries and Culture Spokesman said:

“ I am delighted with my new role and the Environment brief which covers farming, crofting, fishing, aquaculture, country sports and forestry. These are all of huge importance to my region of the Highlands & Islands and I have much experience of all these vital primary industries.

“ The Crofting Bill is an obvious priority and I will continue to work with the SCF and others to improve the Bill to ensure crofting is given practical support. Food security is another major issue, along with our rural infrastructure.

“ I am looking forward to working with John Scott MSP with whom I have a very good rapport.”

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