What a really great time to be a Scottish Conservative! The vibrant resurgence of the Party under Ruth Davidson’s outstanding leadership was underlined by the recent election of no less than 31 Tories to the Scottish Parliament, making the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party the official Opposition.
This means Ruth and her team have a strong platform from which to pursue the interests of the Scottish people, to defend the Union, and to hold the SNP government to account.
The subsequent influx of new members here in Argyll and Bute is surely no coincidence.
Much work remains to be done, of course, but the Tories at Holyrood are up for the challenge. There are many ways in which those who support our aims and policies can help.
Do you know, for example, that there is a number of thriving lunch clubs which meet regularly throughout Argyll? The meetings bring together like-minded supporters, there are interesting and entertaining speakers, and a warm welcome is assured. If you would like to join one of the groups, or simply go along to lunch on an ad hoc basis, do please contact the Association office at Ardrishaig for meeting dates and times (telephone 01546 603811).
Your continued support by voting Conservative at elections is vital, of course, and is greatly appreciated, and if you feel able to go that little bit further, by contributing to the Association’s ‘fighting fund’, that would be very, very helpful - campaigning is expensive!
We are already preparing our campaign for next year’s local Council elections and, of course, we need to be ready and sufficiently well funded just in case the SNP foists ‘Indy 2’ on the country.
On a wider front, we enter a new era at Westminster, with Theresa May becoming UK Prime Minister. In the wake of the European Referendum the new Prime Minister will have a very full ‘in tray’, but I am sure she is more than equal to the task which lies ahead.
Sandy MacPherson
Chairman
Argyll & Bute Scottish Conservative & Unionist Association