Home front was 2021 highlight for Moray MP
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IN the first of three of three articles looking back at 2021 and ahead to 2022, Scottish Conservative Party leader, Moray MP and Highlands and Islands MSP Douglas Ross shares his thoughts.
THE last year has been one of change and upheaval across the board, but for Scottish Conservative Party leader, Moray MP and Highlands and Islands MSP Douglas Ross the most memorable moments of 2021 have not been far from home.
Five months ago he and his wife Krystle welcomed the birth of their second son, James although it was to prove quite a traumatic experience for the couple.
Mr Ross said: "James is now five months old but it's just passed in a whirl.
"Just before Krystle's due date I was down in Edinburgh and while I was there I was identified as a contact for David Duguid [MP for Banff and Buchan] when he contracted Covid.
"I had to self-isolate in a hotel in Edinburgh and I was worried that if Krystle went into labour I'd miss the birth. I was sitting trying to work out ways to be in the birthing suite virtually but as it turned out I managed to get home and be there in person.
"As is the case with many Moray mums, Krystle had to get blue lighted into Aberdeen when she went into labour. The ambulance journey was awful for her, strapped to a stretcher while having contractions.
"It was a difficult period but the family are all healthy; we enjoyed our first Christmas together with James and are looking froward to the new year.
"Proper maternity facilities at Dr Gray's Hospital is something I've campaigned for over a long period of time. It's a crying shame that the staff there are not being utilised more than they have been."
On the political front, Mr Ross pointed to the Scottish Parliament election in May when, despite many predictions to the contrary, the Tories retained their share of the seats and position in Holyrood as the main opposition party, nine ahead of third placed Labour. He added that the year had seen him continue to work hard at both Holyrood and Westminster for Moray.
Looking ahead to 2022, Covid still looms large for the Scottish leader.
"The emerging position with the omicron variant makes it difficult to predict how the early pat of the year will be.
"We must continue to work together – one of the positives to come out of the pandemic is we've all supported one another. Covid will still be with us one way or another in 2022 and we're going to have to learn more about the virus as it continues to mutate.
"One thing we need to ensure we do is support businesses in Moray, which have had a dismal 20 months or so. Both the UK and Scottish Governments have to pull out the stops to not only protect people but businesses as well."
Tackling infrastructure issues in Moray remains a priority for Mr Ross, not just in terms of roads and rail links but general connectivity, too including decent broadband provision for homes and businesses. This, he said, require effective action by both Holyrood and Westminster over the course of the coming year.
Mr Ross noted that he was looking forward to seeing projects included in the Moray Growth Deal bearing fruit.
He continued: "We need to see movement in 2022 on a range of key issues.
"The last thing we want is to be sitting here at this time in 2022 talking about the maternity unit at Dr Gray's or why it hasn't received the same amount of funding as other similar sized hospitals.
"We need to see a push on education and support teachers so that they can deliver the best possible education for our children.
"I hope once again to see Moray as a beacon attracting people to the region from near and far. Our hospitality and tourism industry are second to none."
With the council elections due to be held in May, Mr Ross cast his mind back to the start of his own career as a councillor and had encouraging words for those contemplating treading a similar path.
"I may be the leader of the opposition now but 15 years ago I was working on a farm and beginning to get myself known in the Fochabers-Lhanbryde ward.
"I'm sure there will be people out there having the same thoughts and I would encourage them to go for it. One of the most fulfilling things to do is to serve your local community.
"My 10 years as a councillor was a great experience."
TOMORROW: Banffshire and Buchan Coast SNP MSP Karen Adam talks about what 2021 meant for her and her thoughts about the year ahead.
