The party’s Highlands and Islands manifesto sets out plans for new action to support the region.
SNP leader John Swinney has said the Highlands and Islands are “central to Scotland’s prosperity” as the party publishes its regional manifesto for the area.
The manifesto includes policies such as action to help young people buy a home, making it easier for them to stay in their communities, more support for childcare, and other measures to help with the cost of living.
Other plans include additional investment of £15 million in flood mitigation, action to identify and improve dangerous junctions and stretches of road and a review of rural bus services to explore further opportunities for franchising.
The First Minister is campaigning across the Highlands on Saturday.
He said: “The Highlands and Islands are central to Scotland’s prosperity – and with the SNP and me as First Minister, people will have a government that is always on the side of the Highlands and Islands.
“I know there are real challenges specific to the Highlands – not least housing challenges and issues with connectivity – and I am determined that we will do everything we can to ensure the Highlands and Islands continue to thrive.
“And just as in the rest of the country, the cost of living is really hurting people here – whether food, energy or, in particular, petrol, the Highlands and Islands are on the front line of the cost-of-living crisis and being hit hardest.
“That is why the SNP will take action wherever we can – bringing forward bold plans for a legal cap on the price of essential foods in big supermarkets, providing more support for families with childcare costs and helping young people with the cost of a deposit.
“In contrast, people in the Highlands and Islands are facing some of the highest petrol prices in the UK, because Westminster simply will not act to support them.
“That is not an approach the SNP will ever take – so I am asking people across the Highlands for their support to ensure we can deliver our plans to provide vital support people need.”
Other policies in the manifesto, which is being published on Saturday, include action to tackle the impact of second homes in rural and island communities, including powers to better regulate second home ownership.
It also sets out plans for action to identify and improve dangerous junctions and stretches of road and investment in rural connectivity with the 4G Infill Programme.
