ONE of the leading Liberal Democrats in the Highlands will vote Yes in next month's referendum with protecting the NHS one of his main reasons.
Former Highland Council leader Dr Michael Foxley joined the old Liberal Party as a student in the 1970s and is a long-time friend and associate of former party leader Charles Kennedy as well as having worked closely with Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander .
The former Lochaber GP and current board member of NHS Highland said there was a wide range of reasons behind his decision, not least the future of NHS.
"I worked in the NHS for 40 years and I am convinced that in an independent Scotland there is a better chance to ensure it is strong, resilient and provides free care as required," he said.
"Although fully devolved, the NHS in Scotland is at risk from a No vote due to the potential consequences of very different standards of Health care and funding processes which will reduce our Scottish Barnet formula funding."
He is to chair the University of the Highlands and Islands' new further education regional board having been chair of West Highland Collge. He believes the current system of UK state benefits disadvantages many Scottish students and he doesn't believe there can be real reform of the Crown Estate while it remains under UK Treasury control.
A passionate advocate of land reform he also looks forward to removing UK tax breaks for absentee land owners.
A Scottish Liberal Democrat spokeswoman said: "We respect Michael Foxley's right to support a different approach."
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