BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats

Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Shetland Beatrice Wishart has today set her sights on tackling what she describes as "discriminatory" delivery charges imposed on people across Shetland.

The Scottish Parliament's Information Centre has estimated that the additional cost to Scotland of parcel delivery surcharges increased to £38 million in 2018.

Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael has today launched a stinging attack on the SNP questioning their "absurd" claims that only an SNP MSP can deliver fair ferry funding for the constituency and highlighting the victories that Tavish Scott achieved as both a minister and as an opposition MSP.

Campaigning in Sumburgh, Beatrice Wishart has today called on the First Minister to take responsibility for a series of Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) policies which have negatively impacted on Shetland residents.

Ms Wishart said:

"Air traffic control strikes disrupt lifeline services to and from the isles, including patients who may be awaiting vital medical appointments. If you miss an appointment because of strikes, that puts back your treatment and delays recovery. When you may have already waited months for an appointment that can be devastating.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie has today warned that nurseries are at risk of closure as a result of the SNP Government's bungled roll out of their commitment to deliver 1,140 hours of childcare.

On a visit to Peerie Foxes nursery in Lerwick alongside Liberal Democrat candidate for Shetland Beatrice Wishart, Mr Rennie warned SNP ministers "cack-handed" handling of their flagship childcare policy could lead to private nurseries closing.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie has today called for a Scottish Government minister to apologise to former Shetland MSP Tavish Scott.

In a letter to Shetland News dated 20 August, Maree Todd, minister for Children and Young People, claimed that "for the last three years, the Lib Dems have refused to take part in any budget talks whatsoever with the Scottish Government".

Commenting on the HMIPS annual report 2018-19 which warns of severe capacity issues in Scotland's prisons, Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP said:

"Scottish Liberal Democrats have been warning for some time that Scotland's prisons are in a state of emergency. Some prisons are housing up to 500 people more than they were built for. We know that self-harm, suicide, and assaults within prison walls are on all on a terrifying trajectory.

Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Shetland Beatrice Wishart has today unveiled her plan for tackling fuel poverty in Shetland.

Figures published earlier this year, show that Shetland has a fuel poverty rate of 44% - one of the highest in Scotland. This compares to a rate of just 17% in Edinburgh.

Beatrice Wishart is demanding that government:
1. Immediately target resources to the areas worst affected, ensuring Shetland is at the front of the queue.
2. Invest in services in Shetland to help people make the right decisions about how to keep their home warm.
3. Give projects long-term funding so that they can deliver long into the future.
4. Cut energy bills for Shetlanders through new legal protections against unfair regional electricity pricing.
5. Urgently bring forward the fuel poverty strategy

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie has today said that Beatrice Wishart will be a force for good in Holyrood if she is elected next Thursday.

After a campaign visit which saw Mr Rennie and Ms Wishart take to the water with the Lerwick harbour pilot boats, Mr Rennie said

"Beatrice has the steely determination necessary to stand up for Shetland in Parliament.

Commenting ahead of the publication of the GERS figures on Wedensday 21st August, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said:

"The Scottish economy has bounced along the bottom for too long. While it's true that Brexit has played a part in dragging down investment, the Scottish Government need to be honest about their own failings too.