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
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
Isles representatives condemn “eye-watering” NorthLink ferry fare hike
Northern Isles representatives Alistair Carmichael MP, Beatrice Wishart MSP and Liam McArthur MSP have today condemned revelations of an 8.7% hike in NorthLink ferry fares at the end of March 2024.
19 Dec 2023
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