News / ‘He has not been listening’ – Carmichael himself ‘dumbfounded’ at Swinney comments
ALISTAIR Carmichael has said he himself is “dumbfounded” at John Swinney’s comments during a forum in Shetland on Wednesday night.
The first minister said he was left a “bit dumbfounded” after being told that NorthLink passengers could not book travel beyond 31 December 2025.
As reported by Shetland News earlier today, Swinney went on to say after Wednesday night’s Shetland Future talk: “I don’t understand that at all.”
MP Carmichael has now responded to Swinney’s comments, saying that he is “dumbfounded that he was dumbfounded”.
He accused the first minister of ignoring repeated warnings from MSP Beatrice Wishart and former MSP Tavish Scott about the issue, which means Shetlanders cannot book ferry travel for 2026.
“John Swinney was ‘dumbfounded’ by a question about ferries – I am dumbfounded that he was dumbfounded,” Carmichael said.
“He may not come out of the Central Belt that much, but he surely noticed some of that blue stuff called water passing his window when he flew up yesterday.
“He cannot say that he was not told about this. Beatrice Wishart and Tavish Scott before her have been banging the drum on this, as have local councils and Swinney’s own MSPs.
“The only conclusion can be that he has not been listening.”
The Liberal Democrat politician said Swinney’s two-day visit to Shetland, which has included trips to the Garth windfarm in Yell and UHI Shetland campus in Scalloway, was “clearly intended to be a boost for local SNP fortunes”.
“Instead all it has done is to remind local people that for 18 years the SNP have neglected and ignored the needs of islanders.
“Throughout that time John Swinney has been a minister. It has all happened on his watch.”
Carmichael also said Swinney’s comments on autonomy, in which he has talked about island authorities being best placed to make decisions near to them, were a “bit rich coming from the man who has centralised control of just about every public service imaginable.”
He encouraged Swinney to use any spare Scottish Government funding to go towards Dogs Against Drugs, saying that would be “real autonomy in action”.
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its readers to consider paying for membership to get additional perks:
- Removal of third-party 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.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
