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July 19th, 2001
Scottish MEP John Purvis was in Skye this week
visiting constituents during the European Parliamentary
recess. First port of call was Sabhal Mor Ostaig,
the Gaelic College, which has played a significant
role in the Gaelic renaissance.
One of the most stunning learning environments
in Europe, the College in Sleat is substantially
supported by the European Social Fund.
"The College is extremely impressive but it
is clear that Gaels, having experienced something
of a renaissance in terms of their language and
culture, need more support in other areas, particularly
the local economy," said Mr Purvis.
"One can not miss the profound effect European
funding has had on the island's infrastructure
of roads and telecommuinications but the transition
away from Objective 1 status and the pull of the
East European countries with enlargement will
necessitate a lot more self help.
"I was therefore greatly encouraged by my visit
to successful enterprises such as Skye Jewellers
in Broadford where traditional crafts are providing
good, rewarding jobs for local people."
Also, with this in mind, the MEP visited the
Scottish Crofters Union in Broadford where he
discussed with Vice President Hector MacLeod and
Director Rory Dutton the implications on the area
of agricultural reform in Europe.
"Highland crofters have more in common with
the many small farmers on the European mainland
than with larger scale farming generally found
in much of Britain," said Mr Purvis.
"There is a distinct difference between the two
types of farming and the crofters have been disappointed
with the Scottish Executive's Agricultural Strategy
which puts continuing emphasis on the food production
side of farming and less on the social and environmental
issues.
"The Scottish Executive has a great deal of
flexibility devolved from Europe and the UK Government
to implement a rural development and agricultural
policy which will bring maximum benefit to the
crofting community but the view locally is that
they have not used this to the best advantage
of crofters."
The Scottish crofters have complained that a
lack of vision on the broader role of agriculture
by the government has led to the unsatisfactory
Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme.
They are also unhappy with another scheme to
top-slice direct support payments which they say
indicates the same lack of understanding of the
role of agriculture in broader rural development.
"The Scottish Executive could learn from the
French government which is able to interpret European
directives and direct European subsidies in a
way which benefits their small farming economy,"
added Mr Purvis who is a member of the largest
political grouping in the European Parliament.
"I shall be taking several messages and impressions
back to the European Parliament from my visit
and intend to put some of these across in the
new Parliamentary session."
John Purvis is a member of the Committee on
Industry, External Trade Research and Energy and
the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.
Press Contact:
Frances Donald Tel 01333 340 325
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