Linda Malik - Independent - Wick & East Caithness

9th April 2017

I am an experienced Community Councillor voluntarily serving on numerous committees and groups in the area. I have achieved local benefits for the community, groups and schools in Wick and Thrumster for many years. I feel more and more too many decisions are taken in Inverness which impact adversely on Caithness and it is important that we have balance restored, that this community has a stronger voice.

For this reason and the passion I have for the community I live in, I have stood as a candidate for this year's election.

Experienced Community Councillor

I am proud to have served as secretary of the Tannach & District Community Council. I helped facilitate the burial of the SSE high voltage powerlines within Thrumster, developed the local emergency plan for the Tannach area and I am a member of the tourism sub-committee creating a plan to enhance facilities and signage for locals and visitors. Currently I am helping to produce a forward plan to maximise a lasting legacy from community benefit for the area. Through participating in and contributing to the Highland Council redesign programme and attending the Caithness Community Partnership meetings I already ensure the local community's opinions are being clearly voiced.

It is important for the local community to have a say and have a strong voice representing them at all levels.

Improving Caithness Education

As a former member of Thrumster and Wick High Parent Councils, I am passionate about education. I have worked hard in the past to save and retain rural nurseries recommended for closure. Over the last 20 years, I have secured over £150k in funding for extracurricular and curricular activities in these schools and campaigned successfully last year for the retention of the Pupil Support Assistant hours in the area. In the past I campaigned and lobbied Highland Council in support of rural schools during the Caithness School review which resulted in new schools for Wick and I am currently a member of the Wick High School Stakeholder group ensuring there is a balanced voice at these meetings representing the school and the community. East Caithness is an area ranking high in the Scottish index for multiple deprivation, I feel this should be more fully recognised and addressed to ensure our children get the maximum support.

Education is key to giving our children the best start in life. It is imperative that we invest in our children's future.

Healthcare in Caithness

I have over ten years’ experience working in the NHS and have an excellent understanding of service provision required for this area. I am currently a member of the Caithness Maternity Liaison group and I am part of the Transport sub-group looking into all aspects of patient transport and ways it can and should be improved. Linking to education, I recently had discussions with the NHS regarding growing your own staff to encourage local recruitment and retention and I hope to build on this going into the future. As a representative of the community council I regularly attend meetings of CHAT.

It is vital for the safest, best health service to be delivered locally. I will use all my knowledge and experience to advocate for this.

Caithness Infrastructure

Efficient, safe, road and rail links are essential for continued growth in the County.

The North Coast 500 brings many tourists to the area, it is vital to ensure the roads and infrastructure is maintained to accommodate this. Practical and innovative support is needed to develop and exploit existing and new businesses to Caithness, ensuring long- term employment opportunities and the economic success of our diverse renewable and traditional industries. I also feel it is important to preserve the Heritage and Culture of the area. It is important Historic Buildings and monuments in the ownership of Highland Council should be maintained and utilised for future development.

It is in our County’s interests to ensure that the roads we have are maintained to a good standard and transport links are continually assessed and improved.

If elected as your Independent councillor Wick and East Caithness - my pledge to this community would be this

To build on and continue the hard work I have already been involved in with Education and Health, retaining and creating employment within Caithness.

To listen and remain connected to the people of Caithness and be a strong voice within Highland Council during the forthcoming years.

At all times to work hard to attain achievable goals within the current climate.

To advocate for more local decision making to empower Caithness to reach its full potential.

Should you wish to contact me to discuss anything please;

Call: 07488463534

Email: linda.malik@gmail.com

Find me on facebook



Promoted by Linda Malik Talagang House Sarclet Thrumster KW1 5TU