“Give up the gimmicks” – Carmichael calls for serious action ahead of King’s Speech
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today called for the government to “give up the gimmicks” ahead of the King’s Speech on Tuesday.
6 Nov 2023
News
Carmichael condemns “grim politics” from Home Secretary on homeless people
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael has condemned Home Secretary Suella Braverman's new proposals to fine charities for providing tents to homeless people, calling it “grim politics from a desperate government”.
6 Nov 2023
Carmichael renews calls for spirits duty rethink and industry support ahead of Autumn Statement
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has called for a rethink from the Treasury on spirits duty ahead of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.
3 Nov 2023
Carmichael welcomes SFF findings on public support for Scottish fishing
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has welcomed findings presented today by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF), which show broad support for the fishing sector in Scotland.
30 Oct 2023
Northern Isles MP joins MS Society to back call for full review of PIP process
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael has this week backed MS Society calls for a review into the way Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are handled for people with MS.
27 Oct 2023
Carmichael backs committee concerns on proactive approach to subsea infrastructure
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today backed concerned raised by the Scottish Affairs Committee following exchanges with the Ministry of Defence on the security of subsea infrastructure around the UK.
27 Oct 2023
Carmichael highlights “bleak” financial scenario for local post offices in Parliament
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has this week highlighted the “bleak” situation faced by sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses due to unsustainable fiscal balances imposed on them by the publicly-owned Post Office.
26 Oct 2023
Northern Isles MP calls for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today called for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza to allow aid to reach Palestinian civilians and to support the release of Israeli hostages taken after Hamas’s terrorist attacks.
24 Oct 2023
“Gratitude and commendation” deserved for lifeboat and coastguard efforts in Storm Babet
RNLI lifeboat volunteers and coastguard helicopter crew who worked tirelessly to rescue people during Storm Babet deserve “gratitude and commendation”, Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael has said today in Parliament.
23 Oct 2023
News from Orkney and Shetlands MSPs
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
General News and Press Releases
McArthur raises NHS Orkney escalation at FMQs
Orkney MSP Liam McArthur today sought assurances from the Deputy First Minister that the Scottish Government will provide all appropriate support necessary to help NHS Orkney put its financial position on a more stable and sustainable footing.
30 Nov 2023