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Scalpay
Welcome has Blair smitten and bitten (2)
"Although
I wouldn't say this in every part of the UK, in this
area I agree the priorities are transportation, transportation
and transportation." He added: "This bridge is something
which will not just enhance people's quality of life
but hopefully give them the chance to stay where they
want to stay and work where they want to work." The
Prime Minister then left Harris and walked over the
bridge where he was greeted by the people of Scalpay
who had been unable to hear his address. He then visited
the 26-pupil bilingual island school where he met pupils
and staff and took part in a computer link up with Helen
Liddell, the Scottish education minister, who was in
West Lothian, to promote the Government's initiative
to establish a national grid for learning.
After
stopping off to speak to local residents in the community
centre, and to a fisherman, Kenny Morrison, on board
his boat, Mr Blair returned to the helicopter to fly
back to Glasgow for other engagements. He denied that
the visit was a token gesture to counter the SNP showing
in latest opinion polls. "It has nothing to do with
that at all. This is an important part of the infrastructure
of the Western Isles, and it is important we stress
that fact we have many different types of community
in our country and they are all important." "It has
been a fantastic day for us," said a Scalpay councillor,
Donald MacDonald. "We have been impressed by Mr Blair's
belief in helping the communities like our own. "He
went out of his way to meet everybody and the glow from
the people and his response to them was quite remarkable."
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