Apprenticeship Week, RTS, Hybrid planes
Apprenticeship Week
As part of Apprenticeship Week I met with UHI Shetland to discuss their work in supporting local businesses through the apprenticeship scheme. Afterwards Alistair Carmichael MP and I met with local apprentices at their workplaces of Northwards, Ocean Kinetics and Nordri to learn about their work. I have always supported apprenticeship schemes, and hearing from the many young people who have taken that route into work is very encouraging for their individual career development, and for the future of Shetland’s workface. It’s not only a route for young people leaving school; it can also be for a career change later in life. Thank you to all local businesses who support apprentices.
CAB and RTS event
Along with Alistair Carmichael I met with Shetland Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) about the upcoming RTS signal switch off on 30th June. I know there has been a lack of information from the energy sector ahead of the switch off with advice being that when your energy company contacts you to respond and act. Our area faces geographic challenges with smart meters and the advice from energy suppliers is inconsistent. I have helped many constituents previously so if you have any issues with your electricity or getting a meter replacement or smart meter please get in contact through the details below.
Shetland Citizens Advice Bureau is hosting an energy event on Thursday, 13th March, in Sound Hall from 10.00am to 3.00pm, to help with RTS and energy advice, and OVO representatives will be in attendance.
Balance in the economy
I took the opportunity this week during a Scottish Government Debate entitled Achieving a Fair Balance in the UK’s Economy to highlight the SNP’s central belt focus and the need for greater infrastructure investment in island and rural areas. I also highlighted the pragmatic ‘can do’ attitude, entrepreneurship and innovation across island and rural Scotland along with the economic contribution of women. International Women’s Day was marked yesterday (8th March).
Rural Affairs and Islands Committee
This week the committee took evidence from Scottish Government officials on the Natural Environment Bill which the committee will follow throughout its legislative passage. The bill’s aims include improving biodiversity, modifying habitat regulations, as well as deer management.
Loganair and Heart Aerospace
On Wednesday I met with representatives from Loganair and Heart Aerospace to discuss the potential of hybrid electric aviation services. Decarbonising transport will play a large part in being able to reach net zero targets. The Northern Isles geography make for the possibility of trials for electric and hybrid aeroplanes. A full battery powered flight to Aberdeen, Edinburgh or Glasgow might not be too far away.
National Lottery Community Fund
I spoke with representatives from the National Lottery Community Fund who were in the Scottish Parliament this week and heard how they support local organisations with grant funding. Over £2 million of lottery funds has helped the community here in Shetland.
Constituency Advice Surgery
I held a surgery on Friday, and the next one will be in the Shetland Parliamentary Office on Saturday, 29th March, from 1100 to 1200 noon.
If you have an issue in between surgeries please get in touch with my office to arrange a mutually convenient time for either a face to face or telephone appointment.
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Phone: 01595 690 044
Email: beatrice.wishart.msp@parliament.scot
Write or drop in: Shetland Parliamentary Office, 171 Commercial St, Lerwick, ZE1 0HX