Also in the news 19 October 2026
- Call for wholesale air review
- Lauri Siegel congratulated in parliament
- No issues with school threats
- Active surveys
SNP members have called for a wholesale review of lifeline air connections for Scotland’s remote communities.
Photo: Scottish Government
The motion, which was officially proposed by the SNP’s Na h-Eileanan an Iar branch and supported by Hannah Mary Goodlad MSP, was passed at the party’s recent national conference in Aberdeen.
MSP Euan Smith said that the air discount scheme (ADS) needed to be reformed, adding the discount was “not enough if the underlying fare remains beyond the reach of ordinary islanders.”
Shetland MSP Goodlad said it was clear that this issue was “now gaining real cross-party momentum.”
“This motion at conference will further raise the profile of the need for a complete rethink of how we protect our island routes and make them more accessible.
“I will continue to work on this until we find a solution.”
LAURI SIEGEL’S strongwoman heroics at a world championship event in Phoenix, Arizona have been recognised in parliament.
Shetland’s MP Alistair Carmichael asked Westminster to congratulate 17-year old Siegel on her “outstanding achievement” in finishing second at the event last month.
Siegel has also been nominated for the young sportsperson of the year prize at the Shetland Sports Awards on the back of her American achievement.
Carmichael said that Siegel had made “remarkable progress” since taking up the sport at the start of the year, and following a serious arm break in 2025.
He added he wishes Lauri “every success in her future strongwoman career”.
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Westminster also congratulated Shetlanders Jonathan Dorrat and Jessie Clubb for being selected as two out of the three BBC Scotland journalist apprentices for 2026.
Carmichael asked for parliament to celebrate the opportunities this would provide the pair, and wished them the best for their future careers.
SHETLAND Islands Council said it is not aware of any impact on local schools following national reports of hoax bomb threats being sent to schools.
Police Scotland said it is investigating after reports of messages being sent to schools in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth and Kinross, among others.
However the SIC said it was not aware of any impact locally, and added its schools were closed for the October break.
LOCAL people are being encouraged to take part in an anonymous survey to help shape future priorities for improving health and wellbeing.
The survey is being carried out by the Active Shetland working group, which includes representatives from Shetland Islands Council, Shetland Recreational Trust, NHS Shetland and Ability Shetland, among others.
The group previously undertook a lifestyle survey in 2021 to better understand physical activity levels, barriers to participation and attitudes towards being active.
The new survey will help the group assess progress, identify current opportunities and challenges, and ensure future action reflects the needs of local communities.
There are two surveys available: one for adults (18+) and one for children and young people. The surveys will be open from now until mid-November, with both anonymous and taking a few minutes to complete.
Adults who complete the survey can also choose to enter a free prize draw to win a NorthLink Ferries return trip for two people, including a cabin.
To take part visit here.
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