Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has welcomed an increase of £4.3 million to NHS Western Isles following passage of the Scottish Government’s budget for 2020/21 through the Scottish Parliament last week.

The amended budget delivers on key issues raised by all parties in the Scottish Parliament, and will also see the SNP Government take the radical step of introducing free bus travel for those aged 18 and under - benefitting nearly 4,000 young people in the Western Isles.

The agreement builds on key Scottish Government commitments to invest £15bn in health and care services, with NHS Western Isles’ budget rising from £75.7 million in 2019/20 to £80 million for 2020/21 – an increase of 5.7%.

Alasdair Allan MSP commented:

“In the face of massive Westminster cuts, the SNP has always taken a different, fairer approach to give people living in Scotland the best deal in the UK.

“I’m proud to have voted for a progressive budget which protects our cherished health service, supports our schools and allows us to play our part in tackling the climate emergency.

“I know from my conversations on the doorsteps that our the NHS is people’s number one priority, so I am delighted to see this significant funding increase for health services in the islands.

“Despite being set a backdrop of heightened uncertainty and risk, created by the UK government’s decision to delay their own budget – the SNP government’s budget delivers certainty and stability for our economy, industry and businesses in the Western Isles.”