Local Government Election 2022 / Ryan Thomson


Name: Ryan Thomson Electoral Ward: North Isles Description:


Ryan Thomson

Representing the North Isles on the SIC over the last five years has been a massive privilege, and while I’m disappointed the residents of the North Isles won’t have the opportunity to vote in this election, I am extremely honoured to be able to represent the North Isles once again over the next five years.

In the face of serious challenges facing the Council, we must be bold and ambitious.

My aims and objectives for the next five years are as follows:

Fixed Links & Ferries
We have made significant inroads into establishing a framework in which fixed links can become a reality over the next five years.

The business case for the future of Bluemull Sound will take place soon and a fixed link is the only logical and sensible option. It’s imperative and realistic to assume that we should be aiming to get a spade in the ground in the next five years. I promise to do everything I can and leave no stone unturned to make that a reality.

In parallel, we must continue to make progress in improving our ferry service. Achieving fair funding for our ferries was, in my opinion, the biggest achievement of the previous council.  It’s abundantly clear Whalsay has completely outgrown its current ferry service. Work must get underway ASAP to improve the service for Whalsay.

There are further challenges to be overcome for all islands. I want to introduce a fit for purpose “emergency timetable” for when we go down to a single vessel unexpectedly. I will also work hard to achieving connectivity improvements across Bluemull and Skerries and a solution to the ‘bookings suspended’ issue.

I will work with Communities and Community Councils to make sure we get the ferry services our islands demand and deserve.

Free Passenger Travel on Buses and Ferries
We are in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, but also must recognise the serious climate emergency which will be an important factor in all the decisions the Council makes.

One way to address both problems is to provide all residents of Shetland with free passenger travel on our ferries an on our buses. Studies have shown that free public travel will:

  • Is better for the environment as it removes cars from the road
  • Improves people’s physical health and promotes a more active lifestyle
  • Promotes social inclusion allowing access to facilities and employment opportunities
  • Saves families much needed money at this time of serious concern

Cullivoe Road
The importance and significance of a new Cullivoe road to the residents of Cullivoe, and to Shetland cannot be understated.  The current road is holding back the creative community of Cullivoe from achieving their aspirations and I was delighted to approve the business case for a new road. I will do everything I can to make sure the new road is completed on time and on budget.

Island Games
I want the next Council to explore and bid on a future Island games to be held in Shetland in the coming years.  The 2005 games were a magical experience and a huge boost to Shetland. We have the facilities and the wherewithal to make it happen, so let’s see the Island Games return to Shetland once again.

Northlink Contract
Our lifeline link to the Mainland is a service Shetlanders currently have absolutely no say in. That to me is beyond unacceptable.  Shetland has outgrown the current service both in terms of passenger and freight and we need our own dedicated freight and passenger sailings.  The next lifeline contract will be implemented during the next Council term, and we must lay the foundations for a publicly owned contract with direct democratic input from Shetland.

There is a lot of work to be done over the coming five years, but I have the energy, drive, and determination to try and make a positive difference for the North Isles, and for Shetland.

Contact Information

Email: ryan@ryan-thomson.co.uk
Mobile / WhatsApp: 07359 059068
Mail: Ariane, Wadbister, Shetland, ZE2 9SQ
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ryanthomsonnorthisles

 

Return to Local Government election 2022 – candidates list

 

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 

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.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.