On my trip to the Isle of Gigha it was great to catch up with my constituents at my latest surgery on the island.

Concerns were expressed about the need for quality broadband on the island, with some optimism for a community solution in the not too distant future. With residents on the islands paying the same as urban areas for a sub standard internet service it's no wonder that they feel they are getting a raw deal.

Gaps in the local mobile phone coverage continues to create challenges for the local area and I will continue to fight to see this problem resolved.

Hearing directly from tradesmen and local businesses alike it's very clear that there is a real desire for extra and later ferry sailings to and from the island. This is all the more prevalent with the expansion of the Gigha fish farm.

Availability of housing must be addressed in order to sustain Gigha's population, especially when it comes to the island's youth. While expanding our social housing stock is important there is also demand to see more shared ownership mortgages with some of our new builds.

To properly secure the island's future we must see growth in quality long term employment prospects. We as a council must become much more entrepreneur and business friendly. We must also see fit for purpose roads and infrastructure to match the island's economic growth.

Cllr Alastair Redman