On Saturday the Scottish Co-operative Party sponsored the Highlands and Islands Labour Conference in Inverness.  I was pleased to speak on behalf of the party about co-operatively owned renewable energy.

It was great to see people from across the Highlands and Islands at this event.  Scottish Co-operative Party MSP Rhoda Grant chaired the meeting and began by highlighting the work that she has done to deliver on issues like food justice.

Scottish Labour leader and Scottish Co-operative Party MSP Anas Sarwar spoke about the need to deliver policies for the Highlands and Islands.

Anas spoke about the need to promote renewable energy in the region and highlighted great examples of community owned energy.  He highlighted the work which GB Energy will carry out delivering the clean energy of the future.  He pointed out that communities need to have a stake in investments.  He also pointed out that communities need to see the benefits of renewable energy generation in their area.

It was also great to hear from recently elected MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Torcuil Crichton.  Torcuil spoke about community ownership and empowering communities in the islands and across Scotland.

It was clear that across the Highlands and Islands there is support for policies which will deliver community and co-operatively owned renewable energy.