Inverness former provost was ‘a true gentleman’; plus government’s ‘war on motorist’

‘Mad dash’ towards net zero?

We see the Scottish Government is ramping up its war on motorists.

The SNP transport secretary states that tackling climate “emergency” is a key priority for the Scottish Government and their new draft transition for transport plan proposes intervention to ensure that car use is reduced by 20 per cent by 2030 - and it specifically targets vehicles owned by people likely to be on higher incomes.

It states that the latter, with bigger cars, are responsible for a larger share of transport emissions and underpins the need for a greater burden of responsibility for action from this group, to reduce both their car use and air travel from a “just transition perspective.”

The draft plan states that people need to "transform how they travel in Scotland."

It also says that everyone will be affected by the transition that has to take place and includes a move away from traditional private car use.

These proposed, hair-brained schemes are completely unrealistic and just shows how far the SNP is embroiled in a mad dash towards net zero with no realistic consideration as to how it will affect the country and the everyday life of the people.

The push to new ultra-low emission vehicles will also affect businesses and other organisations and the country's future prosperity.

Meantime John Swinney is so worried about the rise in support for Nigel Farage's Reform party in Scotland that he is calling a conference in April to discuss how to halt it.

I would suggest that he needs to look nearer to home and the drastic policies his party is imposing on the people for the answers.

Mrs J Maclennan

Castle Heather

Inverness

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Tributes paid to former city provost

Former Provost Bill Smith, who played a leading role in guiding Inverness to city status in 2000, has died at the age of 85. Mr Smith also previously ran the Laurel Avenue Post Office in Dalneigh.

“Love to all the family, Bill was amazing to all us when we were kids growing up in Dalneigh! I had the pleasure of bumping into him again just last year with his wife.” - Lucy Wilson

“Sorry to see this, was a privilege to have known Bill. Was always there to support us wardens in St. Mary’s & St. John’s Avenues. Thank you Mr. Smith, condolences to Janet and family.” - Yvonne Black

“I knew Bill from the post office in Dalneigh, a true gentleman, always had time to stop and speak to you.” - Pamela MacDonald

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