NOW that the referendum is over the people of Scotland must seize the opportunity that the political engagement and worldwide recognition that it has brought us to achieve change.
By utilising the increased devolution that is promised we have an opportunity to improve the lives of all the people of this nation and influence the wider world.
In order to do so there are three priorities.
The first is education. Scotland needs to provide the best education for our children in the world. This can, in part, be achieved through increased investment, and the tax-varying powers that are anticipated could provide this, but those in a position of leadership need to ensure that educational achievement is truly recognised. All those who have the ability to gain from a university education need to have the opportunity to benefit from well-designed and worthwhile courses, so that not only their employment opportunities are maximised, but the softer outcomes of tertiary education such as improved life skills are realised. Those who chose not to go to university also need appropriate support as they start adult life.
The second is poverty. For some it was poverty and poor life chances that contributed to them voting Yes. Political leaders need to respond to this.
This in part can be achieved through an emphasis on education, but other drivers of poverty such as inequality, benefit sanctions, and an inadequate minimum wage need to be tackled.
The last is climate change. The referendum has demonstrated that political engagement can be achieved, and this should be channelled to combat the most serious challenge of the age. In many ways the response to climate change is a good news story for Scotland, because mitigation through renewables has already provided considerable employment, and many more jobs will be provided as the sector expands. Now that the referendum is past, the Scottish Government has an opportunity to move away from populist policies, for example in relation to road building, and more carefully consider a sustainable future. Consideration should, therefore, be given to whether dualling of the A9 is really appropriate when we need to be moving away from the use of the car, and instead adopt the cheaper and more sustainable option of radical improvement of the railway between Inverness and the central belt as a wiser way to respond to the need to reduce journey times and, through reducing use of the A9, reduce road accidents.
Much of this requires a new Scottish Enlightenment. At the time of the Enlightenment Voltaire said: "We look to Scotland for all our ideas of civilisation." Scotland now has the opportunity to be in this position of influence again.
Dr Stephen Thomas,
Drumsittal Park,
North Kessock,
Inverness.
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