Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has pledged to support Scottish Government efforts to cut down on nuisance calls – after it was announced that a new commission is meeting this week to tackle the issue in Scotland.

Nuisance calls can be particularly disruptive for vulnerable people, causing distress and even financial hardship.

Alasdair Allan plans to raise the problem of nuisance calls in the Western Isles with the Nuisance Calls Commission, and invites any constituents plagued by cold calls to get in touch.

Alasdair Allan commented:

“Sadly, nuisance calls are something almost all of us are only too familiar with. While many of us simply find them irritating, they can cause extreme distress, particularly for vulnerable people, and can go as far as causing financial hardship and even leave people too scared to answer their phones.

“The Scottish Government has been taking action to prevent nuisance calls, and this new Nuisance Calls Commission will help give individuals and businesses more power to stop cold calling, whilst exploring if stronger regulation is necessary.

“I intend to raise the issue of nuisance calls with the Commission and I would invite any concerned individuals in the islands to get in touch to talk about their experience.

“The Commission is an important step in helping to tackle the problem. Whilst the UK government announcement on banning pensions cold calling is welcome, more can be done to protect individuals – and the Scottish Government intends to use newly devolved powers to do what it can to prevent nuisance calls, whilst urging the UK government to do more and to work with them to take concerted action.”