Scottish Conservative MEP candidate Dr Ian Duncan yesterday visited the Oban area, where he met representatives from the fields of business and science. Ian’s visit was hosted by Highlands & Islands Conservative MSP Jamie McGrigor and organised by Argyll & Bute Scottish Conservative & Unionist Association.
The day began with a tour of the Dunstaffnage headquarters of the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), during which Ian and Jamie received an insight into the wide variety of work carried out by students and researchers at the hi-tech shoreside centre.
Dr Ian Duncan and Jamie McGrigor MSP examine part of the Culture Collection of Algae & Protozoa (CCAP) at SAMS (Photo: Colin Hunter)
Ian and Jamie were shown around by SAMS’ Head of Communications Dr Anuschka Miller, who also teaches Science Communication and Marine Zoology at Dunstaffnage.
Dr Anuschka Miller, SAMS' Head of Communications, with Dr Ian Duncan and Jamie McGrigor MSP (Photo: Colin Hunter)
The visitors took the opportunity to experience SAMS’ interactive new Ocean Explorer Centre, which offers the public and school groups a chance to explore the life of oceans and to discover how oceans work.
Dr Ian Duncan, Dr Anuschka Miller, and Jamie McGrigor MSP, during the visit to SAMS (Photo: Colin Hunter)
Next, Ian and Jamie called at the Oban Consultancy Office of SAC Consulting in Glencruitten Road, where they met senior agricultural consultant Niall Campbell. SAC Consulting is a part of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). SRUC is the product of a merger of Barony College, Elmwood College, Oatridge College, and the Scottish Agricultural College.
Over lunch at the Manor House Hotel, Ian addressed and took questions from local business people, and gave an interview to the Oban Times.
In the afternoon, Ian and Jamie called at the South Pier, where they held informative meetings concerning the fishing industry with John MacAlister of John MacAlister (Oban) Ltd and Peter Tosh of Caley Fisheries.
From left: Jamie McGrigor MSP, Dr Ian Duncan, Peter Tosh, John MacAlister (Photo: Colin Hunter)
The day finished with a visit to the Oban Ferry Terminal of Caledonian MacBrayne, where CalMac’s Area Operations Manager Finlay MacRae gave Jamie and Ian a valuable insight into issues of significance concerning ferry traffic in the Highlands & Islands.
Jamie McGrigor MSP and Dr Ian Duncan, during their visit to Caledonian MacBrayne's Oban Ferry Terminal (Photo: Colin Hunter)
Speaking afterwards, Ian said:
“I had a fine day in Argyll with Jamie McGrigor MSP. We covered a lot of ground literally and issue-wise. We heard of the challenges facing the scallop industry from fishermen at Oban harbour. We learned of the important marine research being undertaken at Dunstaffnage. We listened to CalMac representatives talk of lifeline ferry services, and the importance of Oban as a gateway to the islands. We sat with small business men and listened to their concerns of red tape and regulation and the need for broadband investment. We spent time discussing the impact of Common Agricultural Policy reform on the farmers of Argyll. The EU has an impact on each and every one of these issues.
“I know Jamie McGrigor will continue to fight for the people of Argyll and Bute; just last week, he was commended for his efforts by opposition MSPs in the chamber of the Scottish Parliament.
“If I am elected to the European Parliament on 22 May 2014, I will fight alongside Jamie to ensure that voices and needs of the people of Argyll & Bute are heard and heeded in Brussels”.
Jamie said:
“I was delighted to accompany Dr Ian Duncan on a series of extremely productive and informative visits in the Oban area and also thank Roy Rutherford and Colin Hunter for their invaluable assistance on the day. We managed to cover a great deal in one day and to hear directly about some of the key issues in Argyll & Bute in terms of the marine economy, farming, fishing, local businesses, and ferry services.
"Ian Duncan is a first-class candidate who has a great breadth of knowledge across many policy areas, and I am confident that he will prove to be an outstanding MEP who will ensure that the specific needs of Argyll & Bute are represented effectively at EU level”.
Dr Ian Duncan is ranked No 1 on the list of Scottish Conservative candidates for the Scotland Region of the 2014 European Parliamentary elections. Voting in the elections is due to take place on 22 May 2014.