MSPs must take care now the clock is ticking - Andy Wightman

As readers will know, I have been campaigning through the Homes First campaign to secure better regulation for short-term lets. Eventually the Government agreed to tighten up planning rules and allow councils to introduce a licensing scheme. The regulations for both are before the Local Government Committee tomorrow.

But as I highlighted some weeks ago in this column, the new Short-term Let Control Areas cannot be introduced by Edinburgh Council unless the Scottish Government agrees. This is just the latest example of increasing centralisation of power.

The licensing powers have also come under attack from the owners of Bed and Breakfast businesses who, it now appears, would be required to have a licence to operate. This was never my intention, nor, as far as I can tell, that of the Government, but B&Bs are furious. As a Committee we cannot amend these rules but only reject them or pass them. I hope the Government pauses and reflects on the criticisms that have been made.

Back to nature

I was delighted this week to see the council designating two new Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) on Wester Craiglockhart Hill and at Little France beside the Royal Infirmary. Interestingly, the power to designate LNRs is contained in the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. This was the Act that delivered National Parks for England and Wales. The powerful landowners in the House of Lords blocked any National Parks for Scotland, however, and it was not until the Scottish Parliament was established that they were created for the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond.

Local authorities, however, embraced the Local Nature Reserve powers and Edinburgh now has nine reserves across the city. With Covid lockdown, it has never been more important that residents have places where they can enjoy fresh air and nature, and I wish the council well in managing these two areas for public benefit.

Covid jags

The new variant of coronavirus has led to hugely increased pressure on the NHS, many of whose staff are now busy with the rollout of the vaccination programme.

We are not out of the woods yet and it will take some months before large numbers of the population have been vaccinated. It looks as if the virus is going to hang around for many years to come but regular vaccination is the way to combat it and get life back to normal. The UK is good at vaccination programmes and the annual flu jag is now routine.

A few more months of restrictions is a small price to pay if it means that the economy can open up safely, students can return to schools and colleges, and people can get back to their normal lives.

Andy Wightman is an Independent Green MSP for Lothian Region