Wind farms, ferries, bank closure: Minto speaks after election victory
Jenni Minto has spoken out against the closure of Mid Argyll’s final bank branch, describing it as the ’wrong decision’.
Speaking after her Scottish Parliament seat win was announced on May 8, the now two-term MSP addressed a number of issues affecting her Argyll and Bute constituency.
Ms Minto said she believed Lloyds Banking Group was being too broad in its decision-making.
The Argyll and Bute MSP added: “Living on Islay, there is a mobile bank as well that supports people, so I am asking banks to think about who their customers are; recognise that not everyone is digitally savvy and actually think about the service they are meant to be providing, rather than simply focusing on their bottom lines.”
The former Minister for Public and Women’s Health cited a banking hub as a potential solution, referencing the hub in Rothesay as an example.
After serving both in the Scottish Government and as a constituency MSP during her previous term, Ms Minto said she had always represented the views of her constituents despite being bound by collective responsibility.
“Serving Argyll and Bute for the last five years has been the biggest privilege of my life, and throughout that time I have always represented my constituents’ views,” she added.
Collective responsibility binds government ministers to publicly support cabinet decisions or resign.
Following the election result, Ms Minto committed to always raising constituents’ concerns with the appropriate minister, even if she is awarded another ministerial role.
The proposed High Brenfield wind farm at Ardrishaig by developer Low Carbon is currently under consideration by the Energy Consents Unit, with Scottish Government ministers having the final say.
The proposed development has drawn widespread condemnation, including from Ardrishaig Community Council, which has cited a number of concerns, including water safety.
Speaking on the wind farm, she said: “We have got climate change, and we can see that in the weather in Argyll. It used to be regular rainfall, whereas now we are experiencing more extreme weather events.
“So we have to do something to reduce carbon emissions and ensure we become a much greener society, but I will always listen to my constituents’ views and put forward the points they are making.”
As an Islay resident herself, the Argyll MSP also stated there was “more to be done” regarding ferry services following disruption across the west coast.
Ms Minto said it was essential that ferries were resilient and continued to help islanders access local services.
Reflecting on her first term in office, Ms Minto said: “Every day is different as a member of the Scottish Parliament. You have to juggle lots of different roles, supporting your constituents while also taking part in committees and debating in the chamber.
“Doing all of that has really pushed me, but I have loved every minute of it.”
The Argyll and Bute MSP took the oath of office on May 14 after returning to Holyrood this week.
Ms Minto recorded 40 per cent of the vote, securing 11,019 ballots, with a reduced majority of 2,551.
Turnout for the election was 55.6 per cent, a drop of over 12 per cent compared to 2021. Just 27,556 votes were valid, with 117 rejected.
The full results are listed below:
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