News / ‘Sorry state’ of high streets the blame of SNP, Labour candidate claims
THE SNP has consigned Shetland’s high street to a “death spiral”, the Scottish Labour candidate for the forthcoming Scottish elections has claimed.
Latest figures show that the town centre vacancy rate in Shetland is 7.4 per cent, the party has said.
And its candidate for the Shetland seat at the May 2026 elections, John Erskine, said he felt it had been “impossible to ignore the sorry state” of high streets across the Highlands and Islands when Christmas shopping.
“It’s a scandal that 7.40 per cent of shops are lying empty in Shetland, but this tired SNP government has no answers,” Erskine said.
“Shetland’s retailers are essential employers, creating jobs and supporting thriving communities.
“The SNP has consigned our high streets to a death spiral through unfair business rates and cuts to local services – but this is not as good as it gets.
“A Scottish Labour government will revive Shetland’s and high streets across the region by investing in the local community and reforming business rates to level the playing field between our local shops and the big online giants.”
Erskine said Scottish Labour would look to deliver fair funding to Shetland Islands Council and focusing on regional economic growth.
He is one of three confirmed candidates for the Shetland seat at Holyrood at next May’s election, standing against Emma Macdonald (Liberal Democrats) and Hannah Mary Goodlad (SNP).
The Scottish Green party are due to announce their candidate in the New Year, with Green councillor Alex Armitage signalling his intent to represent the party if chosen.
The Reform party are also expected to join the race next year.
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