Newspaper Articles (2)
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."
