Scottish Parliament Election 2026, brain tumours and fishing

Scottish Parliament Election 2026
I have taken the difficult decision not to seek re-election for the Shetland constituency at the next Scottish Parliament election. After careful consideration, I think May 2026 is an appropriate time for me to step aside and let someone else carry the liberal torch for Shetland. It has been an honour and a privilege to represent the people of Shetland and I shall always be grateful that I had the opportunity to do so. I would like to reassure you that during the remainder of the parliamentary term I will continue to work tirelessly for all constituents. I would like to thank all of the activists who have worked so hard on my behalf, my colleagues in Parliament, as well as the voters in Shetland who put their trust in me.

Fishing debate
I led the first fishing debate in Holyrood since 2022, highlighting challenges facing the sector and the need for the Scottish Government action to address them. Many across the Chamber joined in pressing the Scottish Government for more time in the schedule to debate and highlight the issues facing the fishing sector. There is so much that needs to be aired about the challenges and opportunities that almost every paragraph of my speech could have been a debate in itself. Our fishermen deserve the equal support of the Scottish Government’s eagerness to champion our world class seafood sector with action and I would like to see greater resource provided to the Marine Directorate to help achieve this.

Scottish Water bonuses
Following news of bonuses to Scottish Water bosses, I took the opportunity during a session of Topical Questions to raise with the Acting Minister for Climate Action the need for Scottish Water to invest in a swift programme to replace old asbestos-cement piping. Shetland has almost twice the national average, at 24%, of our system still using asbestos-cement pipes installed between the 1950s and 1970s.

Meetings
As well as a surgery in Whalsay with Alistair Carmichael MP on Monday I was able to meet with the Scottish Childminding Association to hear about action to address workforce challenges in the childminding sector. I also highlighted the challenges for the dairy sector and our two local herds, with the Minister for Agriculture and I will follow this up further.

Cross Party Group (CPG) on Brain Tumours
On Thursday I convened a meeting of the CPG on Brain Tumours. Professor Anthony Chalmers from the University of Glasgow, discussed research into glioblastoma and the role of Proton Beam Therapy. We were also updated by the Brain Tumour Charity, and received a presentation from the Head of Public Policy at the Association of British Insurers, who outlined the current provision of travel insurance for those with brain tumours and other pre-existing conditions. Next month I will be hosting a Wear a Hat day photocall and drop-in event for MSPs to raise awareness of brain tumours.