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Carmichael demands clarity on timings and advice for off-grid energy payments

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today called for further detail on the rollout of the Alternative Fuel Payments (AFP) scheme giving £200 of energy bill support for off-grid families, including those using heating oil. Speaking in Parliament Mr Carmichael asked the Energy Minister for detail on the numbers of people expected to benefit from the scheme automatically and how those who need to apply for the payment can do so.

25 Jan 2023

Carmichael welcomes new report on fisheries spatial squeeze

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has welcomed the release this week of a new report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fisheries, suggesting solutions to the growing competition for space in UK waters. The report follows discussions in Parliament in November last year between politicians and industry stakeholders on the best way to manage competing needs (including environmental protection and energy development) without solely squeezing out local fishermen.

24 Jan 2023

Shetland spaceport partnership welcomed in Parliament

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today lodged a parliamentary motion welcoming the latest partnership agreed by Saxavord UK Spaceport in Shetland, with RFA Space. The partnership is expected to see a first launch from the Unst launch site in late 2023.

24 Jan 2023

Carmichael warns against lax regulation of energy company actions on meters

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today called on ministers to keep a “close eye” on energy companies in order to protect vulnerable families. Speaking during an Urgent Question in Parliament relating to concerns about households being unfairly forced to switch to pre-payment meters – which generally cost more per unit than other payment methods – Mr Carmichael highlighted the related issue found in the Northern Isles of companies refusing to connect meters to new build homes.

23 Jan 2023

Northern Isles representatives welcome signing of Islands Growth Deal

Orkney and Shetland’s parliamentary representatives Alistair Carmichael MP, Liam McArthur MSP and Beatrice Wishart MSP have welcomed the signing today of the Islands Growth Deal in Kirkwall. The agreement will see £100 million invested by the UK and Scottish governments between Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles, with a further investment of £293 million expected from public and private stakeholders, aiming at boosting growth and jobs, including in new green technologies and the creative industries. Up to 1300 jobs are expected to be created by the agreement.

20 Jan 2023

Carmichael recognises Fair Isle ferry funding in Parliament

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today in Parliament welcomed the announcement of funding for the replacement Fair Isle ferry, but called for assurances that Orkney Islands Council would receive the same support and feedback from the Levelling Up department in renewing its bid for funds in the future.

19 Jan 2023

Carmichael calls for DVSA head to visit Northern Isles amid continued testing frustrations

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today in Parliament called for transport ministers to improve driving test wait times, and to push the head of the DVSA to make a visit to the Northern Isles to see the state of service and need here. Mr Carmichael also highlighted the continued lack of off-road motorcycle testing in the Shetland after years of uncertainty.

19 Jan 2023

New Fair Isle ferry funding a success for local campaigners – Carmichael

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has welcomed news this evening that local campaigners for a new Fair Isle ferry have secured Levelling Up Fund support for the replacement vessel. Following a bid by Shetland Islands Council with support from the local community, £26.8m is to be allocated to provide a new, lifeline roll-on, roll-off ferry for Fair Isle.

18 Jan 2023

Carmichael raises challenges with data-deficient monkfish in fisheries debate

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today called on ministers to acknowledge the frustration faced by fishermen that valuable monkfish stocks are still regarded as “data-deficient”. Data-deficient species of fish pose greater challenges for the setting of quotas, as the lack of information on numbers makes it hard to reasonably reflect the potential catch in fishing grounds. Monkfish is a key stock for Scottish and in particular Shetland fishermen.

18 Jan 2023

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News from Orkney and Shetlands MSPs

Beatrice Wishart MSP speaking in the Scottish Parliament chamber

Shetland

Ferry bookings - Wishart quizzes FM

Shetland’s MSP and Scottish Liberal Democrat, Beatrice Wishart has quizzed Humza Yousaf, during First Minister’s questions as to why Shetlanders must put up with the inability to book ferry travel beyond 30th September.

22 Jun 2023

General News and Press Releases

Ministers have ‘dropped the ball’ on Marine Protected Areas, says McArthur

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur today urged the Scottish Government to review, assess and adapt existing Marine Protected Area protections instead of imposing ‘arbitrary’ targets for new HPMAs that have met with strong opposition from island communities.

15 Jun 2023

Orcadian Column, 15 June 2023

The British public has always had a soft spot for soap operas, which tend to enjoy consistently high ratings. Likewise, the soap operas currently playing out at Westminster and Holyrood will have had viewers tuning in, if only in disbelief.

15 Jun 2023

Text which says Cervical Screening Awareness Week 19th - 24th June 2023

Shetland

Wishart responds to Shetland hosting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust

Ms Wishart responded to the news that Shetland will host Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust from Tuesday 20th June to Thursday 22nd June for Cervical Screening Awareness Week.

15 Jun 2023

NorthLink vessel MV Hjaltland sailing on the sea

Shetland

New Transport Minister must change direction of travel

Scottish Liberal Democrat rural affairs and connectivity spokesperson Beatrice Wishart MSP responds to the appointment of Fiona Hyslop as the new Minister for Transport.

13 Jun 2023

General News and Press Releases

McArthur praises Scottish carers

Liberal Democrat MSP for Orkney, Liam McArthur, has today praised the work of carers during the annual Carers Week running from 5-11 June 2023.

9 Jun 2023

Beatrice stands in the Scottish Parliament holding a sign which reads Carers Week

Shetland

Wishart praises work of carers

Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP, Beatrice Wishart has praised the work of carers during the annual Carers Week running from 5-11 June 2023.

8 Jun 2023

A Pride flag flies in front of a blue sky. Text reads Happy Pride Month Scottish Liberal Democrats.

Shetland

Wishart welcomes Pride month 2023

Shetland MSP and Scottish Liberal Democrat Beatrice Wishart welcomes LBGT+ Pride month. Ms Wishart reaffirmed her commitment to championing equality for all LGBT+ people.

8 Jun 2023

Orcadian Column, 1 June 2023

Pulling out of Eday aboard the Varagen on Saturday morning, it wasn’t long before Dave Gray was helpfully explaining to passengers what to do in the event of an emergency.

1 Jun 2023

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