Supporting Local Economy and Jobs
I know – the economy #yawn. But stay with me because I’m not talking about numbers on a spreadsheet; I’m talking about people.
Our local economy is all about people: young people being able to build their futures here, families staying in the communities they love and everyone having the chance to earn a decent living without having to leave home.
I know what it’s like when work dries up. Both my husband and I have been unemployed. We’ve felt the stress, the uncertainty and the frustration of seeing opportunities vanish. That’s why I believe in an economy built on long-term, sustainable jobs that actually benefit local people.
Fife North East has huge potential in renewables, farming, fishing, hospitality, creative industries, or community co-ops. Yet time and time again, these opportunities have been passed over as the SNP fail to turn promise into reality.
Their record on green jobs speaks for itself. Projects like Seagreen and Neart na Gaoithe promised a jobs boom, but much of the work has gone abroad. If Scotland’s climate goals are to be meaningful, our communities must be central to the transition and must share in its benefits.
No wonder public confidence in the SNP is collapsing and only 19% of Scots trust them to deliver the clean energy jobs they promised.
And it’s not just big businesses – we need to support the small enterprises, shops, and services that hold our towns together. Empty units in Crail (pictured above), Cupar and St Andrews tell the story, alongside the loss of local banks, pharmacies, and post offices.
We need:
- Skills and apprenticeships linked to local growth sectors like renewables, food production and marine industries
- Procurement that works for local firms, not just big contractors
- Support for town centres through business rate reform
- Incentives for local entrepreneurs, small businesses and community projects
- Regional industrial strategies that benefit every part of Scotland — not just the central belt
I’ll make sure Fife North East gets its share of investment and support. Because when our local economy thrives, our communities thrive.
