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
Shetland
Wishart supports calls for Bank of Scotland to reconsider its decision on mobile branch banking
Scottish Liberal Democrat rural affairs spokesperson and Shetland MSP, Beatrice Wishart, has today highlighted the impact of Bank of Scotland’s decision to end the mobile branch service on rural and island communities during a member’s business debate.
11 Jan 2024
Shetland
Wishart quizzes minister on legal aid access
Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland’s MSP, Beatrice Wishart, has raised the concerns of domestic abuse victims seeking justice with the Scottish Government.
10 Jan 2024
General News and Press Releases
Return of jury trials welcome but access to justice for islanders can’t be seen as expendable – McArthur
Orkney’s MSP, Liam McArthur has again welcomed the prospect of jury trials returning to island courts, but warned that local access to justice for islanders cannot be seen as “expendable” within the justice system.
10 Jan 2024
Shetland
Wishart urges Shetland input into consultation on the allocation of additional quota
Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP, Beatrice Wishart, is urging Shetland input to the Scottish Government’s ‘Fish stocks: allocation of additional quota’ consultation which is set to close on Thursday 11th January 2023.
5 Jan 2024
Orcadian Column 4 Jan 2024
Coming into 2023, Nicola Sturgeon remained the dominant figure in Scotland’s political landscape. While frictions within her party were becoming more obvious and public, nothing suggested an implosion was imminent.
3 Jan 2024
Shetland Times Column 29 December 2023
When New Year approaches there’s usually time to reflect on the year that’s drawing to close and look to what the future may hold.
29 Dec 2023
McArthur expresses frustration over continued deferral of agriculture funding
Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur has today expressed frustration over the Scottish Government’s lack of clarity over when ring-fenced funding taken from the agriculture budget will be returned.
22 Dec 2023
McArthur challenges First Minister over MV Hamnavoe refit arrangements
Orkney’s MSP, Liam McArthur today questioned the Scottish Government’s commitment to lifeline ferry services, following its failure to provide a replacement vessel to cover the MV Hamnavoe during its dry dock period next month.
21 Dec 2023
McArthur welcomes schedule for return of island jury trials
Responding to confirmation that the Sheriff Principal for Grampian, the Highlands and Islands has instructed for jury trials to return to Sheriff Courts in Kirkwall, Portree, Stornoway, Lochmaddy, Lerwick and Wick in spring 2024, Orkney MSP Liam McArthur
21 Dec 2023