Election / Fishing, ferry and a first minister – election campaign latest
WITH LESS than three months to go until the Scottish parliamentary elections on 7 May campaigning by the five candidates so far confirmed is slowly hotting up.
SNP hopeful Hannah Mary Goodlad has been successful in enticing first minister John Swinney to Shetland for the second time since she announced her ambition to become the isles’ next MSP.
The pair will host a public meeting at Mareel on Monday 23 February, at 7pm, chaired by local broadcaster Jane Moncrieff.
Tickets for the free event will be available via the Mareel box office.
Meanwhile Goodlad has vowed to make fishing one of the key priorities if elected in May.
“With my family background I grew up understanding just how important fishing is to Shetland,” she said.
“Almost every teatime, fishing or fish was mentioned around our table. That’s just how our family is and it has given me a deep understanding and love of our industry.
“Over the last few months I have spoken to fishermen and have had four meetings with the Shetland Fishermen’s Association.”
She added that she had made representations to Scottish fisheries minister Mairi Gougeon opposing the recent decision that the quantity of mackerel that must be landed in Scotland is increasing from 50 to 70 per cent.
With an eye on the whitefish sector, she added: “One issue that keeps coming up time and again is the lack of enforcement on foreign vessels transhipping their catch from Shetland. “I have discussed this with Marine Scotland and am trying to get to the bottom of what is going on.
“Another issue is the problem that unregulated gill netting is causing local boats. This has been going on for years and nothing is being done about it. A solution must be found.”
She said: “There is only so much I can manage to do as a candidate. If the fishing industry is prepared to put their trust in me at the May elections, I will be able to do so much more with a seat at the table where all the decisions are made.”
Meanwhile, Lib Dem candidate Emma Macdonald has responded to the consultation results on the future of the Northern Isles ferry service, published by Transport Scotland last week.
Unsafe pod lounges and lack of cabins – Shetlanders call for change in ferry consultation
The results underline longstanding concerns from locals about lack of capacity, unsafe pod lounges, noisy cabins and unfair pricing.
“This consultation confirms what we have been hearing for many years that our ferry service is a lifeline service,” Macdonald said.
“People here shouldn’t have to book weeks in advance just to get home with a car, and they shouldn’t have to choose between a bed or travelling at all.
“Island life isn’t seasonal – it’s everyday life for us.”
She added: “It’s right that people value the cleanliness and comfort of the cabins, but the lack of capacity, the cost of cabins, and the removal of shared accommodation options are hurting families, students, workers, and older residents alike.
“We need a service designed for islanders, restoring affordable cabin options that work for single travellers and ensuring safety and privacy for everyone.
“Pods shouldn’t feel like a gamble on your safety or comfort – they should support a long overnight crossing, not make it harder. That’s why we want better sleeping options and fair pricing.
“The Scottish Government must put islanders’ needs at the front of the queue when setting the terms of the next ferry contract.”
She said: “Ferries are the backbone of our connection to the rest of Scotland – socially, economically, and culturally.
“As your MSP, I will push for better vessels, better cabins, better capacity and more of a focus on islanders’ priorities. Lifeline services shouldn’t feel like a lottery – they should work for the people who depend on them every day.”
Meanwhile, Labour candidate John Erskine had his day in the limelight on Monday when he came out supporting embattled prime minister Keir Starmer amid increasing calls for him to resign.
Labour candidate backs Starmer despite growing quit calls over Mandelson
Erskine continued to side with Sir Keir even after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar embarked on the biggest gamble of his political life and called for the prime minister to resign.
The other two candidates who have so far declared are Alex Armitage for the Greens and Brian Nugent for Sovereignty.
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