Wishart comments on budget vote

Following the stage one vote on the Scottish budget Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart said:

“Throughout the process of negotiations on the Scottish budget Scottish Liberal Democrats have made clear that meaningful measures needed to be addressed to improve lives across Scotland. 

“After 17 years of mismanagement by the SNP we wanted to see real change in health, social care, housing and transport.

"This budget is not perfect, but the Scottish Government has shown willingness to listen and respond to Liberal Democrat priorities including increased local government funding, and more support for people living with Long Covid. That's why my colleagues and I are supporting it and we'll continue to press ministers to deliver on their commitments and seek further improvements where needed.

“Shetland will see more funding for inter-island connectivity, and there has been an acknowledgement from government of the community feeling about tunnels. Ahead of the Infrastructure Investment Plan, we’ve also persuaded the Scottish Government to look much more closely at the project to replace the Gilbert Bain Hospital.”