Shetland Times Column 11th April 2025
Scottish Liberal Democrats gathered in sunny Inverness last weekend for our Spring conference. As well as engagement in debates and policies, it was a chance to hear members’ contributions and from those who have put themselves forward as candidates for election.
Debates included proposals to transform children’s social care, protect young people from the harms of vaping, and improve Scotland’s transport links with Europe.
The surprise of the conference though was the unveiling of a new member of the Liberal Democrats. Jamie Greene, MSP for the West Scotland region, had resigned the Conservative whip the day before. He was welcomed with open arms by the conference and received a standing ovation.
It can’t have been an easy decision to ‘cross the floor’ despite recognising the change of direction in the party that he joined under the leadership of Ruth Davidson. Jamie quoted Eleanor Roosevelt when he resigned from his former party: “Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you’ll be criticized anyway”.
Jamie was one of the MSPs from other parties who caught my attention when I first went to Holyrood with his considered, respectful and compassionate contributions in the chamber, and I look forward to working with him over the remainder of my time as MSP.
Last Wednesday saw the first Islands Economic Showcase in the Scottish Parliament hosted by the Cross Party Group (CPG) on Islands. Its aim was to highlight the strengths in our island economies, the opportunities for the future, and the challenges island businesses face.
It provided an opportunity for island enterprises to engage formally with MSPs from across Scotland and brought together around 30 businesses reflecting a wide range of sectors, community groups and enterprises from across the island regions of Scotland.
In the debate that preceded the event, I was able to highlight the resilience and spirit of Scotland’s islands. Our islands are home to all kinds of innovation and entrepreneurship, forged with passion and island tenaciousness, in some cases developed from necessity. I often highlight Shetland’s economic contribution and how we punch well above our weight.
That doesn’t, though, remove the challenges of island living. We are often left at the end of the line, literally, when it comes to developments in digital and transport connectivity and that in turn stifles economic growth, learning and employment opportunities.
These interconnections along with a shortage of affordable housing and costly transport affect population growth and much could be addressed with greater investment in islands’ infrastructure.
I took the opportunity in the debate to again speak about the impact the development of a tunnel network has had in the Faroe Islands where depopulation has been reversed.
It’s no secret that I advocate for tunnels as I see their enormous potential for all of Shetland. Alistair Carmichael and I will be hosting another round of Tunnel Vision meetings in August.
The Scottish Parliament returns from Easter recess on 22nd April.