Scottish Lib Dems secure critical budget wins for islanders

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Beatrice Wishart and parliamentary candidate for Shetland Emma Macdonald have today hailed a series of wins for island communities secured by the party in the Scottish Budget.

In January, Scottish Labour indicated that it would “not stand in the way of the budget”, meaning that it was guaranteed to pass.

Following this, Scottish Liberal Democrats reached an agreement with the Scottish Government about the budget, which saw the party securing £300 million in investment for a range of priorities.

This includes a total of £7.1 million for islands-specific investment, money which will remove peak fares from Northern Isles ferries and enable Shetland and Orkney to kickstart a new islands accelerator model.

The accelerator model will unlock long-term investment in the islands, including in transport links, harbours, housing, digital connectivity, schools and care facilities.

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Shetland Beatrice Wishart said:

“By squeezing the government for every penny possible, Scottish Liberal Democrats have secured critical wins for our islands.

“After a long campaign to scrap peak fares from Northern Isles ferries, I am delighted that we have persuaded the government to finally do it. It’s a single change that will make a huge difference to the everyday needs of islanders.

“Equally, the accelerator model has the potential to be the shot in the arm our islands desperately need, connecting communities and tackling depopulation.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats will always have the interests of our constituents at heart, working hard to get stuff done and deliver for them. You can vote for more of that in May by backing us on your ballot paper.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Shetland and leader of Shetland Islands Council Emma Macdonald said:

“Scottish Liberal Democrats are getting things done for Shetland and island communities the length and breadth of Scotland.

“In my work on Shetland Islands Council, I have been repeatedly making the case for a new Islands Accelerator Model.  

“This model is about recognising that our islands are different from any other local authorities in Scotland, and that unique position is exactly why there needs to be a more tailored funding structure.

“In securing this model, Scottish Liberal Democrats are showing that we are serious about tackling depopulation and laying the foundations for growth.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats are committed to delivering change with fairness at its heart and delivering on what matters most for our island communities.”