Carmichael renews call for 1 gigawatt tidal stream energy target
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has renewed calls for a 1 gigawatt target for the rollout of tidal stream renewable energy in a debate in Parliament.
20 Oct 2023
News
Carmichael calls for parliamentary statement on Northern Isles coastguard helicopter response times
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today called for the Transport Secretary to make a statement in Parliament on proposed changes to response times for the coastguard helicopter based at Sumburgh.
19 Oct 2023
Carmichael takes up “truly shocking” Antonio Maria case with Fisheries Minister
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today called on the government to take up the “truly shocking” case of the Antonio Maria with authorities in France, following the near-collision with a Shetland trawler earlier this week.
19 Oct 2023
Carmichael challenges “impossible” MCA fishing advice putting Harbour Masters at legal risk
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today questioned Maritime and Coastguard Agency advice to fishermen to ask Harbour Masters to sign required medical certificate applications, without consultation.
18 Oct 2023
Parliamentary recognition for Northern Isles representation at Scottish Fisherman’s Federation
A parliament motion has been lodged congratulating Hannah Fennell, head of the Orkney Fisheries Association, and Sheila Keith, executive officer of Shetland Fishermen’s Association.
14 Sep 2023
Carmichael backs farmers in meeting with NFUS leaders and Back British Farming
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has spoken out on the need for stronger government commitments to back farmers and crofters following meetings with the NFUS and Back British Farming this week.
14 Sep 2023
Carmichael calls for 1 gigawatt goal for tidal stream capacity
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has challenged the Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero to support an increased rollout of tidal schemes and to set a new goal of 1 gigawatt of deployed tidal stream capacity.
13 Sep 2023
Carmichael welcomes boosted tidal stream investment in latest renewable auction
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has welcomed today’s news that 7 tidal stream projects have secured contracts in the UK Government’s latest renewable auction, including two in the Northern Isles.
8 Sep 2023
Half a mark back on a failing grade – Carmichael marks government rejoining Horizon scheme
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has responded to news that the UK has reached a deal on associate membership of Horizon, the EU’s science research scheme.
7 Sep 2023
News from Orkney and Shetlands MSPs
Orcadian Column, 19 October 2023
It’s hard to put into words the horror of recent and ongoing events in Israel and Gaza. The murderous rampage and hostage taking by Hamas militants targeting a music festival and kibbutzim across southern Israeli was unspeakably barbaric.
17 Oct 2023
General News and Press Releases
McArthur writes to SSPCA over rehoming centre closure
Orkney’s MSP, Liam McArthur has today written to the CEO of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, highlighting concerns raised by constituents involved in animal welfare in Orkney over the closure of the Balmore rehoming centre.
12 Oct 2023
General News and Press Releases
McArthur highlights Council criticism of National Islands Plan at First Minister’s Questions
Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur today called on the First Minister to develop a new islands plan and put an end to the Scottish Government “overpromising and underdelivering” for Orkney and other island communities.
5 Oct 2023
Orcadian Column, 5 October 2023
Happy retirement to MV Golden Mariana, which completed her final journey between Papay and Westray at the end of last week. Built in Devon in 1973, at 50 years old the Mariana was the oldest vessel in the Orkney Ferries fleet.
4 Oct 2023
McArthur raises Screen Machine funding in parliament
Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has welcomed an undertaking from the Culture Secretary, Angus Robertson to meet the operators of the Screen Machine to discuss how its future may be safeguarded.
28 Sep 2023
McArthur calls for islander inclusion in just transition discussions
Liam McArthur, Orkney MSP and Scottish Liberal Democrat spokesperson for climate, today said that islanders have felt “excluded” from discussions about the UK’s energy transition.
28 Sep 2023
Orcadian Column, 28 September 2023
The Prime Minister chose the eve of Climate Week to announce he was watering down his environmental commitments. With a general election due next year, Rishi Sunak has calculated that delaying targets will revive his party’s prospects at the polls.
28 Sep 2023
Orcadian Column, 21 September 2023
Two years ago, I launched a consultation on proposals for a bill to allow terminally ill adults with mental capacity in Scotland the choice of an assisted death.
21 Sep 2023
McArthur demands action to make island jury trials sustainable
Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has called on the Scottish Government to commit to the necessary action to protect rural access to justice, as new Sheriffs Principal guidance extends the use of ‘virtual custody’ courts.
20 Sep 2023