Scottish Parliament Election 2026 / Douglas Barnett
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
It is a privilege to be standing to represent the people of Shetland, who have been let down for too long by two out of touch governments at Westminster and at Holyrood.
The islands are a unique and wonderful place, but I know they also face many challenges. From the lack of reliable ferries to the closure of local healthcare services. Islanders have been failed by an SNP government that is obsessed with the central belt.
I’m standing to represent Shetland because I understand rural issues and I want to see things changed. If you choose me to be your MSP, I will focus on the real issues facing Shetlanders, like local ferries, housing, fishing and the cost of living.
Our fishing industry is a vital employer in Shetland and a key contributor to the local economy. But Labour and the SNP have not done enough to support it. It was Scottish Conservative MSPs, like Jamie Halcro Johnston, who stood up to damaging measures like Highly Protected Marine Areas and the spatial squeeze caused by offshore wind. If elected, I would commit to listening to our fishermen and being a strong voice for them at Holyrood.
Another issue impacting Shetland is rising energy prices, due to the conflict in the Middle East and Labour and the SNP’s refusal to support off-grid households who rely on heating oil or LPG gas.
The SNP government’s so-called support package amounts to just £70 per household, which doesn’t even scratch the surface for households that are struggling and have seen their prices more than double. If elected, I would press the government to provide proper, targeted support to those most in need to prevent tanks from running dry.
Shetlanders are also struggling because of poor transport links, in particular ferries that often fail to adequately accommodate local passengers. The SNP’s approach to Scotland’s ferry network has been nothing short of disastrous.
Timetables are frequently cancelled, much-needed vessels are delayed year after year, and budgets are repeatedly blown. Islanders and businesses alike are paying the price for this failure to deliver lifeline ferries. If elected as your local MSP, I would hold the government to account and press them to deliver reliable ferries that actually serve the needs of islanders.
Another area where islanders have been let down is local healthcare. The SNP and Labour are obsessed with centralised local health services, resulting in less accountability locally.
We know that delivering healthcare in Shetland is very different to delivering it in Edinburgh or Glasgow, a one-size fits all approach just won’t work. If elected, I would work to ensure that local healthcare stays local and I would fight the closure of local GP practices and health centres.
At this election, Shetlanders have the opportunity to turn the chapter on the failing Labour and SNP governments by electing a local Scottish Conservative candidate who put their issues first.
Voting Scottish Conservative on your purple and peach ballots is the best way to stop the SNP’s independence obsession and get the focus on the real issues.
Contact:
shetlandconservatives@gmail.com
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