The deputy leader of the SNP yesterday called on public sector employers to do more to attract professionals to rural areas of the north-east to meet the demand for doctors, nurses and teachers.
Stewart Hosie visited New Deer to tour Keenan Recycling – the largest food and garden waste recycling business in Scotland and an accredited living wage employer.
And the message of the day from Mr Hosie – who is also SNP economy spokesman – was the importance of the living wage and environment.
“Essentially jobs, the living wage and the environment is the key message today,” Mr Hosie said.
“I think the living wage is essential – it’s good for businesses and it’s fantastic for local communities. It’s no surprise the first minister announced a new higher target for living wage accredited businesses.”
SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon has pledged to deliver 1,000 living wage employers in Scotland over the next parliament.
A key employment issue in rural areas of the north-east is the difficulty in attracting GPs, nurses and teachers to roles in small villages.
In recent months medical practices in Stuartfield, Cuminestown and Gardesntown have been forced to close or merge due to staff shortages.
And Aberdeenshire Council continues to advertise for teachers to fill positions in primary and secondary schools in the region.
Mr Hosie said: “I think all agencies involved – whether health boards, local authorities, or education boards – need to be picking up on rural areas like Aberdeenshire to say this is a really good place to come and live.”
He said in Aberdeenshire’s case, the proximity to Aberdeen and improved transport links such as the AWPR could be an excellent draw
“I think its the job of all agencies who recruit to say come and see what we have to offer,” he added. “This is a fantastic place to live, work and raise children.”
Mr Hosie was joined by the SNP’s Aberdeenshire East candidate Gillian Martin on the tour.
Other candidates for the seat – which has been vacated by former First Minister Alex Salmond – are Colin Clark, for the Scottish Conservatives; Sarah Flavell, for Labour; and Christine Jardine, for the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
