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An MSP has refused to enter the Lerwick Up-Helly-A' sexism debate, but insisted traditions should change. Highlands and Islands Tory member Jamie Halcro Johnston was speaking while visiting the isles with the Scottish Conservatives' interim leader Jackson Carlaw. It comes after SNP colleag... Read more...
Signs have emerged of a softening in the Scottish government's approach to fair ferry funding, with one Tory MSP insisting a senior SNP colleague has given backing for a better deal on lifeline links. Isles councillors have been left frustrated by the Scottish government's funding offer following... Read more...
Bigger cuts will have to be made in Shetland next year than in any other council in Scotland, an MSP claims. (more…) Read more...
The Scottish government has failed to meet the deadline it set itself to introduce a version of Road Equivalent Tariff on NorthLink's ferry fares. New transport minister Michael Matheson has pointed to "complex and challenging" negotiations with Pentland Firth operators which have failed to bear ... Read more...
List MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has called on the Scottish government to do more to tackle specific mental health issues that can affect islanders. (more…) Read more...
The Islands Bill has been hailed as a “real achievement” towards making sure island communities thrive. The Bill, which passed its stage one debate at Holyrood yesterday, requires the Scottish government and other public bodies to consider the impact which their laws and decisions would have ... Read more...
The Tory party has been snubbed ahead of a public meeting planned to discuss union calls for the nationalisation of lifeline ferry services. (more…) Read more...
Politicians have been reacting to news that the current NorthLink ferry contract has been extended by 18 months amid plans by the Scottish government to consider bringing ferry services to and from the isles "in-house". Assurances are being sought that the decision to extend the agreement with Se... Read more...
Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston was caught up in a security alert at Holyrood. Part of the Scottish parliament building was evacuated after four packages were sent to the offices of Tory MSPs. In a statement, Mr Halcro Johnston said: "Part of the Scottish Parliament buildin... Read more...
The Tory candidate for Orkney and Shetland in next month's general election has dismissed claims that the campaign is a two-horse race between the Liberal Democrats and the SNP. Jamie Halcro Johnston has also backed comments made in the national media by Theresa May that there were "many complex ... Read more...