Shetland Times Column 3rd January 2025
As the mountains of washing up are finally done and Christmas decorations are packed away for another year, there is perhaps time to reflect on the year that has passed and what might be in store for the year ahead.
In politics, 2024 was an election extravaganza year for democracies across the globe. From right here at home, with a General Election slightly sooner than pundits predicted, to India where we saw the biggest electoral exercise in history, Ireland, the USA and unexpectedly France at the start of the summer. Now we will also see Germany take to the polls in early 2025.
In Scottish politics we started 2024 with a relatively new First Minister and the year ended with another relatively new First Minister. If we thought John Swinney’s political comeback was unlikely the political comeback of Donald Trump was of even greater magnitude.
As the world prepares for Trump 2.0 there are many who were disappointed with the election result. While the USA has not yet had a woman president there should no longer be a discussion about if a woman can do the job but when.
In the summer, the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Alison Johnstone, came to Shetland. This formed part of the parliament’s 25th Anniversary Regional Programme visits across Scotland. It also coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Shetland Bike Project. Along with other MSPs who represent the Highlands and Islands Region, there was time to enjoy the twin celebration in the Town Hall and the joint cutting of a cake, before a session in the afternoon with voluntary groups about engagement with parliament.
Taking a look ahead to 2025, and for those taking part in the Island Games training and fundraising are well underway by the various sports groups that will represent Shetland in Orkney in July. It’s the 20th edition of the international event and 40 years since it all began, and over 2,000 competitors and officials in 12 sports are expected to attend. The games really are a great example of sport bringing people together. I don’t think it’s too early to wish good luck to team Shetland!
Plans are in the pipeline by Alistair Carmichael and me for another Digital Forum, and another round of Tunnel Vision events. Shetland Islands Council Inter-Islands Transport Connectivity Survey is currently open, and full details can be found online. The survey forms part of the development of future plans to connect communities, including the possibility of tunnels. I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to have your say and responses are welcome from everyone, businesses, those living in the isles and Mainland Shetland to paint a picture of current travel behaviour, find out the views of the existing ferry services and day-to-day transport challenges.
Whatever 2025 brings, I live in hope that it will be a more peaceful one for people around the world.
Happy New Year!