Carmichael condemns Tory tax hike on whisky and gin producers
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today condemned the Conservative government’s duty hike on whisky and other spirits, which came into force this week.
2 Aug 2023
News
Carmichael welcomes return of Tall Ships Races to Shetland
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has welcomed the return of the Tall Ships festival, starting today [26th July], to Lerwick for the first time since 2011.
26 Jul 2023
Carmichael backs NFUS concerns on fertiliser market fairness
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today backed concerns from the National Farmers Union Scotland about fair prices for fertiliser, with plans to push for a debate on the matter when Parliament returns from recess.
25 Jul 2023
Carmichael presses ministers for update on Shared Rural Network rollout
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has pressed the government on progress in implementing the Shared Rural Network...
20 Jul 2023
Carmichael secures new call for evidence in concrete construction vehicle debate
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has welcomed a Department for Transport agreement to make a new call for evidence on changes to rules which risk harming local construction companies...
22 Jun 2023
Carmichael highlights tourism and climate impact on Northern Isles heritage sites
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has spoken out in Parliament on the need to ensure the sustainable future of Northern Isles heritage sites.
21 Jun 2023
Carmichael presses Treasury for update on farm support budgets
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today pressed Treasury ministers to give an update on discussions over the future size of budgets for farm support payments.
20 Jun 2023
Carmichael to challenge transport ministers on “common sense” amendment to construction vehicle rules
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has secured a parliamentary debate this Thursday (22nd June) on changes to Department for Transport rules which risk harming local construction companies.
19 Jun 2023
Carmichael highlights engineer access problems in home heating debate
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has highlighted islander frustrations in securing engineers for boiler and meter installations in a debate on heating rural homes this week.
14 Jun 2023
News from Orkney and Shetlands MSPs
Shetland Times Column 15 December 2023
“The true character of a society is revealed in how it treats its children”, a quote attributed to Nelson Mandela.
15 Dec 2023
Shetland
Wishart calls on OVO to “get its act together” at First Minister’s Questions
Shetland’s MSP and Scottish Liberal Democrat Beatrice Wishart has today called on OVO Energy to “get its act together” during First Minister’s Questions, following issues with prepayment top-up keys that have seen some customers left without electricity.
14 Dec 2023
General News and Press Releases
McArthur lodges motion recognising Orkney 2025 medal design
Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur has today lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament congratulating Jodie Brown of Tankerness, who has won the competition to design the medals for the Orkney 2025 Island Games.
14 Dec 2023
Orcadian Column, 14 December 2023
Tattie picking pushes it hard but gathering kelp was comfortably the most unpleasant task I had growing up in the late 70s and early 80s. Child labour laws are more stringent nowadays, and kelp harvesting no longer takes place to any real extent...
12 Dec 2023
General News and Press Releases
McArthur comments on lack of timeframe for return of island jury trials
Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur has expressed disappointment that there is still no timeframe for a return of jury trials to island courts.
8 Dec 2023
Shetland
Wishart sponsors African Space delegates in Parliament
Shetland MSP and Scottish Liberal Democrat Beatrice Wishart hosted delegates representing the emerging space sector from African nations, in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 7th December.
7 Dec 2023
Shetland
Wishart debates tunnel future
Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Shetland and rural affairs spokesperson Beatrice Wishart led the Scottish Parliament’s first ever debate on fixed links today with proposals to transform how Scotland’s island and rural communities are connected.
6 Dec 2023
Shetland
Wishart slams Scottish Government delay for ferry bookings beyond March 2024
Shetland’s MSP and Scottish Liberal Democrat, Beatrice Wishart, has again slammed the Scottish Government for a lack of timely opening for the Serco NorthLink Ferry Lerwick-Aberdeen route.
5 Dec 2023
Shetland Times Column 1 December 2023
Last week’s weather, and no ferries for days as a consequence, was a reminder of the need for island resilience. Not that many of us need a reminder after last December’s “weather event” that saw power out for days in some places.
1 Dec 2023