International Women’s Day 2025
Following International Women’s Day on Saturday 8th March, I spoke in a members’ debate held in the Scottish Parliament. This year’s theme is ‘Accelerating Action’, calling for increased urgency in addressing barriers to gender equality. I felt that it was important to again highlight the plight of women in Iran and Afghanistan and the devastating impacts for women following the international aid cuts announced by both Donald Trump and the UK Labour Government. Shetland Women’s Aid recently reported results of their survey about life in Shetland for women and it is clear much more work is needed at home as well as internationally. Covid pandemic reflections
The UK Government held a Day of Reflection across the UK for the COVID-19 pandemic on Sunday 9th March 2025. We will all vividly remember the pain of not being able to hug family and friends during restrictions. The impact of lockdown will be realised and debated for many years to come and it will be difficult if not impossible to fully understand the impact of lockdown restrictions. Meetings
My week was peppered with many meetings including with the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands regarding Scottish Government land reform proposals. In Parliament I met with Libereco to discuss political prisoners in Belarus, and with representatives of Scottish Coastal Clean Up where we spoke of the plastic pollution and marine litter around our shores. Local meetings included a catch-up with the Chief Executive of NHS Shetland, and with a representative of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS). Shetland Times column
Read my latest Shetland Times column from Friday 14th March. | 