Election letters 2019 / Tavish DID support fair ferry funding
You report Michael Stout as saying, “Tavish had the opportunity to support fair ferry funding but party whip refused him to do that” (Former councillor stands on transport ticket; SN, 29 July 2019).
This is wrong.
Tavish DID support the whole SNP budget in order to win extra money for Shetland’s internal ferry services. Since the parliament had already voted for this to happen it should not have been necessary.
Unfortunately the SNP ministers (the same ones with whom Mr Stout claims to have had a “close working relationship”) held our internal ferry services to ransom. Tavish, along with Liam MacArthur MSP, put the interests of the isles first and voted to secure the extra cash.
You don’t have to be independent to put Shetland first. Tavish Scott demonstrated that many times over the years and I am sure that Beatrice Wishart will continue to do so if she is elected on 29 August.
Alistair Christie-Henry
Bressay
Note from the editor:
We gave Michael Stout the opportunity to respond. He provided the following statement:
“The lack of support to which I was referring was during the negotiations in which I was involved that took place in the period leading up to the point where the Greens decided to support the budget. My apologies for not making that clear.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
