The Oban Times

Invest in the West

2023

The Oban Times launched their campaign ‘Invest in the West’ earlier this year, calling on the Scottish government to increase funding for communities hurt by budget cuts as well as a better focus on specific needs for rural communities across the west coast and islands.

The campaign is a brilliant example of how local newspapers sit at the heart of the communities, campaigning for issues close to the hearts of their readers. The paper also launched an online petition to rally public support.

Head of web-based content at Wyvex Media Brian Hossock said: “We really want people to log on and sign up. Strength of numbers is vital if we are to demonstrate to the government how big an issue this is. We want to deliver a document to decision-makers backed by as many people as possible, so I would encourage each and every reader to put their name to the petition, as well as spread the word on their own social media platforms and telling friends and family.”

The campaign was later raised at the Scottish Parliament in July, with Donald Cameron MSP tabling a motion in Holyrood calling on all parties to give the campaign their support.

Mr Cameron said: “The Oban Times is absolutely right to launch a campaign like this.

“Communities right across the west coast and the islands have suffered badly at the hands of the Scottish government in recent years. Not only have they been victim of a lack of investment, but the general incompetence of ministers – as we see daily with the ferries crisis – has also inflicted great damage.

“But now we all have something to rally behind and it’s up to decision-makers to listen. Local papers like the Oban Times and the others owned by parent group Wyvex Media along the west coast are uniquely placed to run powerful and effective campaigns like this.

“It has my full support, and other politicians who represent communities in this part of the world should back it too.”

The title has also launched a petition to promote “fair compensation for neglected rural and island communities” and to rally public support on the issue.