Polar Star - March - May 2024
Tuesday 19 March 2024
 7.5°C   S Fresh Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Letters / Open letter to Shetland’s young people

It wasn’t that long ago that I was a pupil at the Anderson High School and I remember spending my lunchtimes in 6th year looking for jobs and volunteering opportunities abroad. I also remember gaining a driving licence and being able to go to a music festival without your parents: it was a time of newfound freedoms.

The pandemic has been unfair on many, but it has perhaps been most unfair on the young. Young folk in Shetland and across the country have had to make sacrifices, just when their horizons should have been expanding.

I do not believe that today’s young folk will be a “lost generation”, but they do face serious challenges.

The SNP has put together a manifesto specifically for young people. It is packed full of brilliant ideas to support  young folk through this difficult time amd to build a better country for the future. You can read it here.

I have also set out some Shetland-specific priorities and blogs that you can read on my website here.

Thanks to the SNP, 16- and 17-year olds can vote in these elections for the Scottish Parliament. If you’re old enough to pay taxes, get married or join the armed forces, then you’re old enough to have a say in who governs your country.

Your vote tomorrow (Thursday 6 May)  really matters. This is an election that will decide which party or parties govern Scotland during the recovery from the pandemic and for the next five years.

It’s not a referendum: that will come later, if pro-independence parties win a majority in this election.

I’m asking you to put your trust in me to represent Shetland in Holyrood, and in Nicola Sturgeon to continue steering us through these hard times.

Whatever choice you make, please do vote. It’s your future.

Yours for Shetland,
Tom

Tom Wills
SNP candidate for Shetland

 

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.

 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.