Ferries, Islands Showcase, conference

Northern Isles Ferry Service
This week I once again wrote to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport highlighting issues raised with me about our lifeline ferry service. Time and again issues with the pod lounge, the end of the shared cabins policy and a lack of rolling bookings have been raised with me and I have asked the Scottish Government for action. I await the Cabinet Secretary’s response to these points in my most recent letter.

Islands Showcase
On Wednesday the Cross Party Group on Islands, of which I am Deputy Convener, hosted the Islands Showcase bringing island businesses and organisations to the Scottish Parliament for a roundtable, reception and a debate in which I took part. Among the exhibitors were: SaxaVord spaceport, The Community Development Company of Nesting, Shetland Jewellery, Shetland Aerogenerators and Lerwick Port Authority. Thank you to all those who were involved and for making it happen.

Meetings
Across the week I met with several organisations including Royal Mail to discuss the organisation’s operation across Scotland. I spoke with the Royal Society of Edinburgh to discuss its inquiry on public financial support for tree planting and forestry. I also convened the Annual General Meeting of the Cross Party Group on Brain Tumours ensuring that the group can continue until the Scottish Parliament election in 2026. On Monday I attended the SIC’s Conservation Areas drop-in session at Scalloway Youth Centre.

Conference
This Friday and Saturday Scottish Liberal Democrats will gather in Inverness for our annual Spring Conference. I look forward to a weekend of debate and meeting with exhibitors. Parliament will be going into two weeks of recess ahead of Easter.

Radio Teleswitch (RTS) switch off
Work continues by suppliers to change household and business meters to find workable solutions in the run-up to the RTS switch off date of 30th June 2025. I know that ahead of the switch off advice is being given that when your energy company contacts you, to respond and act. Shetland faces geographic challenges with connecting smart meters and responses from energy suppliers are inconsistent. If you have an RTS meter but haven’t already contacted your energy supplier for a replacement I would urge you to do so. I have helped many constituents previously so if you have any issues with your energy supplier or getting a meter replacement or smart meter please get in touch through the details below.