Beatrice Wishart
Scottish Liberal Democrats · Scotland
“I thank very much the people of Shetland, who put me here, and I thank my colleagues Willie, Alex, Jamie and Liam for their support. I hope that there will be more women on the Scottish Liberal Democrat benches after the election.”
“A plea was put out for funding to enable a well-known local man to access brain tumour treatment that is not available in Scotland. Within three days, the fund had raised more than £100,000 to help with on-going treatment in Germany. For a population of 23,000 people, that is quite remarkable.”
“I have heard numerous accounts of people coming to Shetland to take up jobs in the NHS or the council, only to leave a few months later because they cannot find permanent accommodation.”
“I thank Jamie Halcro Johnston for bringing this important debate to the chamber on this, the last day of the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament. This will be my final speech in the Parliament and, appropriately, the debate is on the sustainability of Scotland’s remote, rural and island communities.”
“What people seek is the means to live and work in their communities and to survive and thrive in them, which entails putting investment into infrastructure and public services.”
“I leave now to return to my family and friends, who have supported me throughout my time here, and I look forward to a bright Shetland summer.”
The complete record
Every one of 344 lines we hold for Beatrice Wishart, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 6 of 7.
“We have already made significant progress on key areas, including reducing environmental impact, improving fish health and streamlining planning and consenting. Beyond that progress, I have, in my response to the committee, committed to a range of further actions. Although I do not have time to cover all of them this afternoon, I want to set out some of the priorities that we are taking forward. We will explore with partners how the existing data collections that we have touched on today can be better presented and how accessibility can be enhanced, including through improvements to the Scotland’s Aquaculture website. We are working to analyse mortality data, exploring thresholds for persistent high mortality and whether fish farms with persistent high mortality actually exist.”
“We take matters of fish health and welfare and the protection of our environment seriously, and I hope that my response to the committee is clear on those issues and provides an insight into what work is being prioritised and when, in the context of our work plan. What I hope that I have also managed to convey in my response is openness and transparency about the Government’s intentions, and that we are being absolutely clear about what work we intend to deliver, when we will deliver it and why. Having set that out and having carefully considered our response to the committee’s findings, I hope that colleagues across the chamber can see that we have committed to a number of actions across all areas and that we take the committee’s time, deliberations and recommendations seriously.”
“I welcome that the committee has outlined that it would not support a moratorium at this time—albeit that that position was not, I recognise, supported by all members— but there should be no question about whether we want salmon farming in Scotland. We do. Any move towards some sort of moratorium would deprive Scotland of the benefits of salmon farming for our economy and our communities, without adequate justification that the potential environmental harms were not being managed appropriately. A moratorium could stifle the very investment in science and innovation that will ultimately support fish health and environmental and productivity goals. We are committed to ensuring that Scotland is a good place to do business, with effective but proportionate regulation that protects our environment now and in the future.”
“I want to be open and transparent about the balance that Government is trying to strike to ensure that we are delivering on the most important issues, and it means that, while we work within resource constraints, we have to continue to make careful and difficult prioritisation decisions. Another key point of the committee’s considerations that I want to address—and which the convener, Finlay Carson, has touched on—is the reference to and talk of moratoriums on either new sites or expansion at existing sites. Despite the finding from the previous committee’s work that there was “insufficient evidence to support” a moratorium on future development, and despite the fact that significant progress has been made since those inquiries, I am disappointed that the committee has signalled that it would like to revisit the issue in a year’s time.”
“However, there are no issues there. It brings me back to the point that any regulation that we bring forward has to be proportionate, and that is why, as I said to the committee, I do not intend to introduce any regulations in that regard. My response to the committee carefully prioritises what I believe is achievable not only for Government but, importantly, for the range of partners that we work with. We need to be cognisant of the cumulative impact of our work programmes on all stakeholders. Another factor that impacts on delivery and which affects Government in its entirety is the on- going challenge of ensuring that we manage effectively within our means. That means prioritising how and when we take work forward.”
“The industry already collects a lot of mortality data, so there should be no extra burden in that respect. One of the reasons for the polarisation that she referred to is a lack of confidence in the figures being provided, but surely if we were to put that on a statutory basis, it would give a far better understanding of how the industry is performing. Mairi Gougeon: Finlay Carson is absolutely right about the transparency of the information that is provided. More information is provided for salmon farming than for any other sector. However, I recognise that there are difficulties in translating how some of that data can be used and in how it is communicated. I make it clear that I would not hesitate to take action or introduce regulation, if there were a problem with getting that information in the first place.”
“Returning to my comments on polarisation and the different views on salmon farming, we must, in the work that we are taking forward, collaborate and consult, and that takes time. I absolutely recognise the committee’s call for the Government to act urgently in this area, but there is a need to build consensus on the way forward and, as far as possible, build relationships. Focusing too much on pace will not necessarily lead to good outcomes. Finlay Carson: I appreciate the cabinet secretary giving way to me, because I know that she is not really getting into her flow with all of these interventions. However, we have heard from the salmon industry that Scottish salmon farmers provide the highest animal welfare standards across the world.”
“Does the cabinet secretary agree that the Griggs report’s main recommendation of having a lead individual responsible for driving forward progress, as is the case in Norway, and ensuring that consents, for example, are dealt with swiftly, as they are in Norway, would help achieve the objectives that she has set out? Mairi Gougeon: First, I appreciate the work that Professor Griggs undertook and his recommendations. We are taking forward work through the consenting task group to look specifically at his recommendation on consents and to address the challenges in that respect, because we know that that process can be more straightforward. I am looking forward to the update on the consenting task group’s work, which is due shortly.”
“It is absolutely right that all sectors, including salmon farming, are scrutinised and held to account. However, in the case of salmon farming, in which polarised opinions are, as we know, commonplace, it is more important than ever that we take the time to collaborate to shape and deliver policies that ultimately bring people and communities together, rather than divide them. Fergus Ewing: [Made a request to intervene.] Mairi Gougeon: I am happy to take an intervention. Fergus Ewing: I am very grateful to the cabinet secretary for giving way.”
“It has been more than a year since the Long Loch Salmon semi-closed containment project was called in for a decision by the Scottish Government. We are talking about economic development, but the length of time spent waiting on a decision reflects badly on the planning system and could discourage investment in Scotland; indeed, the company still has no indication as to when a decision could be made. Can the cabinet secretary help in that regard? Mairi Gougeon: Unfortunately, I am not in a position to provide Beatrice Wishart with an update on that. As I hope that she can appreciate, I am not the minister responsible for dealing with that. However, I know that the report and its recommendations are being given full and proper consideration, and I am sure that a decision will be made as soon as possible.”
“The minister will be aware of the Health and Safety Executive’s identification of contraventions in health and safety at the Walls, Hillswick and Bressay fire stations in Shetland. How will the Scottish Government support the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and ensure that it is sufficiently resourced to address the HSE improvement notice and its deadline of 22 August 2025? Siobhian Brown: Last week, I met His Majesty’s chief inspector and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service on that point, and I was reassured by both of them that work will be progressed. I am happy to keep the member updated on that. Drug Use Harm (Criminal Justice and Public Health) 6.”
“We should be doing what we can to support all those industries and producers as they face increasing costs and uncertainties, and we should support them to decarbonise and become more sustainable for the future. The Deputy Presiding Officer: We move to the open debate. I point out again that time is tight. 15:20”
“We should embrace what we can catch around Scotland, as that is a low-carbon means of supplying a source of food that is high in protein while reducing food miles and ensuring food security. Any reduction in Scotland’s food production will have an impact on those who make it possible to get food to the table. Road hauliers play a vital role in Scotland’s food and drink economy. They move goods, including perishables such as fresh seafood, across the country to meet onward connections to global markets. Those perishables need appropriate packaging, such as the boxes produced by Shetland firm Thulecraft that are used to ship salmon and mussels. More than 80 per cent of Scotland’s mussels are grown in Shetland.”
“However, in my view, the biggest threat to salmon farming comes from those who are ideologically opposed to the sector itself. Those who would see an end to Scotland’s salmon farming industry would cause devastation to rural and island economies, including in Shetland, where the industry employs around 400 people. It would ultimately lead to depopulation and would decimate some of Scotland’s most fragile communities. Fishing is culturally and economically important in many of Scotland’s island and coastal communities. My members’ business debate a few weeks ago—the first dedicated fisheries debate in the Scottish Parliament for years—highlighted the impact of spatial squeeze and displacement from traditional fishing grounds due to an increase in developments such as offshore renewables.”
“Salmon exports from the northern isles and other remote parts of Scotland contribute millions to the national economy, and the industry has significantly invested in modernisation and innovation. Recent UK Government trade statistics highlight that, in 2024, 100,000 tonnes of Scottish salmon worth £844 million was exported to 48 countries around the world. Daniel Johnson: Will the member take an intervention? Beatrice Wishart: Have I got time, Deputy Presiding Officer? The Deputy Presiding Officer: No. Beatrice Wishart: Sorry—I need to get through this. In Atlantic salmon production, Scotland ranks third globally and contributes 6 per cent of global production. It is a great success story, although salmon farming faces challenges such as rising sea temperatures and jellyfish blooms.”
“We are still waiting for the final good food nation plan, following consultation on the draft—perhaps the cabinet secretary could update us on that when she summates. We also face the twin emergencies of climate change and biodiversity loss, which could both have a massive impact on our food and drink sector. Fruit growers need the humble bee for pollination, and threats to honey bee populations from disease and parasites leave the sector vulnerable. As others have said, salmon is Scotland’s iconic fish. The salmon industry employs 2,500 people directly and around 10,000 people through the supply chain that reaches all parts of Scotland. I have heard directly from salmon farmers, including some who work in my own Shetland constituency, of their commitment to the welfare and husbandry of their fish.”
“Although Scotch whisky remains a popular export to the bloc, we should be wary of the risks of the proposal for an English whisky geographical indication. New trade deals in the post-Brexit era bring concerns about lower welfare standards in food production, as is the case with products such as chlorinated chicken from the USA, and the new agreement with New Zealand has made lamb imports cheaper but it competes with the seasonal production of Scotch lamb. At home, the cost of living crisis continues— household budgets are tight, and more and more people are being pushed towards using ultra- processed food, food banks and similar support. Early on in this parliamentary session, the Scottish Government’s Good Food Nation (Scotland) Bill was passed in order to improve access to food, sustainability in the sector and people’s wellbeing.”
“I welcome the opportunity to discuss and praise Scotland’s iconic food and drink sector as we experience old and new threats. The Government’s motion highlights the new risks posed by tariffs and, as Donald Trump embarks on new tariffs, we can already see the impact on global markets. Tariffs and barriers to trade serve only to make people and countries poorer. Scotland’s producers do not deserve or need the impact that tariffs bring, having already felt the disruption of Covid and Brexit. Changes to freedom of movement have impacted workforce recruitment and retention, and recent Food and Drink Federation figures have highlighted a 34 per cent decline in overall food export volume to the EU.”
“Women’s rights face many challenges across the globe: it is incumbent on all of us to do what we can to address the barriers that women face and to create a more equal world. 18:10”
“I am also concerned that the UK Government is planning to cut funding for international aid. As my MP colleague Monica Harding put it, increasing defence spending by cutting aid “is like robbing Peter to pay Paul.” In the more than three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, women have faced increased risk of gender-based violence, rising unemployment, greater domestic burdens and more mental health crises. Despite those immense challenges, women in both areas have stepped into leadership roles within their communities. As I have previously highlighted here, it is crucial to all peace negotiations that women are actively involved and are recognised as essential to the peace process.”
“An estimated 3.8 million women have already lost access to contraceptive care. Unsafe abortions are one of the top five drivers of maternal death worldwide, and instances will only increase with disrupted reproductive healthcare. For a group of Afghan women students who are studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics courses in Oman, the halting of US Agency for International Development aid has resulted in their facing forced return to Afghanistan. For years, I have raised the brutal restrictions on women in Afghanistan and in Iran, where the so-called hijab and chastity law aims to impose comprehensive police control over society. It is distressing to consider the isolation and despair that such conditions create. The international community must not leave Afghan and Iranian women behind.”
“One respondent wrote: “I don’t know a single woman in Shetland who hasn’t been either harassed, assaulted, spiked, stalked or followed home at night.” That is quite a damning indictment. Respondents cited a culture of misogyny in Shetland that normalises sexual jokes and harassment. It was also highlighted that Shetland’s tight-knit community networks can create difficulties with reporting gender-based violence. Those close community networks can, however, also be positive sources of solidarity and support. Prevention education from a young age, along with bystander training for men to enable them to call out their peers’ behaviour, is needed to make Shetland and, indeed, Scotland safer and more inclusive places. The USA Administration’s callous freeze of international aid is having a devastating impact on women and girls.”
“In the recent Scottish budget negotiations, we secured the right for family carers to earn more. Expanding support for carer respite will enable women who care to take a well-deserved break, which will support their wellbeing. Action is needed to tackle economic barriers that mean that women are more likely to be living in poverty and financial insecurity. My Liberal Democrat colleague Christine Jardine MP is calling for statutory maternity pay to be doubled and parental leave to be expanded. Recently, Shetland Women’s Aid published survey results about life in Shetland for women. The report uncovers the pervasiveness of gender inequality on the islands, with more than half the respondents reporting that they had faced discrimination and gender-based violence.”
“I thank Audrey Nicoll for lodging the motion and securing the debate in the chamber. Like Pam Gosal, I am surprised that the Scottish Government does not seem to be forthcoming with a debate on international women’s day, as it has in previous years. This year, international women’s day feels particularly important in the context of the increasing challenges to women’s rights around the world. Around three quarters of unpaid carers in Scotland are women. Their provision of vital unpaid care comes at significant emotional and economic costs. The “State of Caring in Scotland 2024” report shows that 71 per cent of women unpaid carers had given up work to provide care. More than half feel overwhelmed, and more than a third report that they have bad, or very bad, mental health.”
“Too often, island and rural communities are at the back of the queue, and the failure to provide the core connections that they need—broadband, ferries, tunnels and roads—is holding back their economies and businesses. It is important that they are given better infrastructure and more power so that Scotland can reach its potential in renewables, food and drink, forestry, tourism and other critical industries that are rooted in rural and remote areas. It is time that the Scottish Government faced up to that. The Deputy Presiding Officer: We move to the open debate. I advise members that one of the SNP speakers has had to pull out at the last minute in the light of illness. It has been agreed that two of the three SNP speakers shall have nine minutes and the third shall have six minutes. I call Kevin Stewart to speak for up to nine minutes.”
“Digital connectivity across Scotland lags in the areas that are furthest away from our major cities, yet it is essential to conduct business today. The radio teleswitch shut-down is the latest example of a raw deal for rural and island Scotland. Areas of high fuel poverty and poor weather are causing concern and alarm in my constituency as the fundamentals of heating technology change. There is a lack of forthcoming answers from the industry, and no pragmatic, can-do attitude is forthcoming to resolve the issue for rural and island Scotland. There are many more examples, but with limited time I will conclude. Scotland is overly centralised, and that has got worse over the past 18 years.”
“A tunnel network is important, as it would speed up delivery of time-sensitive seafood products, including from the growing salmon industry, which is another example of rural and island enterprise. Decades ago, crofters started small-scale salmon farming, and it is now a multi-million pound industry that reaches markets far beyond our shores and contributes to Scotland’s economy. The UK Government committed levelling up funding for a new Fair Isle ferry and harbour infrastructure, but the external ferry service between Shetland and Aberdeen is under considerable pressure and disruption. Although weather and pump-room flooding may not have been foreseen, the annual dry-dock periods are known yet little has been done to ensure that there is any kind of backup resilience so that businesses and passengers are not left on the quayside.”
“The northern isles can contribute even more to the national economy with investment in infrastructure that is taken for granted on mainland Scotland. Ferries are our roads, and tunnels should be considered national infrastructure and not simply a link for those who live on the islands. Tunnel action groups from Unst and Yell have instructed Norwegian consultants to carry out sonar investigations to progress the ambition of a tunnel network in the northern isles. Funds for that have been raised through private donations—not public money—and the final report should contribute to the determination of potential tunnel alignments. It is another demonstration of the can- do and enterprising attitude, which recognises where the future lies.”
“In Orkney, the European Marine Energy Centre has attracted wave and tidal developers from around the world for the last 20 years. People often gloss over the contribution that women make to the economy, but during this week of international women’s day, I will not. In my constituency, the long history of Fair Isle knitwear has global reach. Today, we see innovation from new designers who have modernised the world- renowned product, such as French textile artist Marie Bruhat, who has made her home in Fair Isle. There is also production from local factories who export to the far east. Orkney fashion designer Kirsteen Stewart said in an interview that she was “inspired by the island’s female role models” to build her successful fashion and design business—women’s enterprise putting the northern isles on the map.”
“Situated right at the top of the UK, Unst is hosting Europe’s first fully licensed vertical launch spaceport at SaxaVord, which is well placed for low earth orbit satellite launches. Its development grew from the vision of an entrepreneur who recognised the potential of the location and who, with support from the community and local authority, has made it happen. The spaceport recently gained a significant endorsement by way of rocket manufacturer Orbex, which moved from the Scottish Government-backed Sutherland spaceport to SaxaVord. Shetland is at the heart of energy generation, whether it is oil and gas—which have contributed enormously to the wider economy—or new technologies and renewables such as wind and tidal. One of the world’s most successful wind farms, Burradale, is in Shetland.”
“The motion makes an important point about ensuring that investment does not unfairly focus on one area. I understand the sentiment that is contained in the motion, and, although I recognise the point that it is trying to make, I observe that many of my constituents consider that the central belt of Scotland is often the national focus of the SNP Government. Much of what I am about to say will focus on the islands. Visitors often remark on how much enterprise there is throughout the northern isles. Regardless of size, there is an enormous amount of enterprise, which is driven in part by geography and a can-do attitude. Members need look no further than Scotland’s growing space sector.”
“That would be a far more effective way of getting the benefit that could be derived from structural reorganisation without all the cost, the pain and the time that it would take to arrive at that position. Sheku Bayoh Inquiry 2.”
“Patients would welcome the reduction of administrative burdens on doctors in an endeavour to put greater focus on patient treatment. Island health boards know how to deliver island healthcare. Does the cabinet secretary agree that island health boards should remain as separate national health service boards? Neil Gray: I probably know where Beatrice Wishart’s question is coming from, given some parties’ policy announcements over the weekend. I want to see a blurring of boundaries between our health boards to ensure greater regional working and support across different parts of the health sector and that we support patients, primarily, in enabling them to navigate through the health system.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. My app would not connect. I would have voted yes. The Presiding Officer: Thank you, Ms Wishart. We will ensure that that is recorded.”
“On greater affordability, reforms to ticket incentives and discounts could drive up passenger uptake. Complicated rail fares are also a barrier to passengers. We have tiered super off-peak, off- peak and peak fares, which are further complicated by their use at differing times along parallel routes. Passengers find it difficult to know which ticket will best get them from A to B, and the terms and conditions are often complicated. Although cheaper fares might be available, calculating them and finding time to research alternatives is another barrier to rail travel. It is also difficult to be 100 per cent certain that a ticket is the right one until a rail staff member confirms that. Passengers would rather avoid the stress. The Deputy Presiding Officer: We move to the open debate, with back-bench speeches of up to four minutes. 16:24”
“In the long term, we need to decarbonise our planes, ferries and cars. Right now, we should also do what we can to ensure that, where public transport is available, it is a safe, feasible and convenient way to get from A to B. I know that there were concerns about the previous peak fares pilot and whether the Government did enough to get behind it. There is a question about the extent to which it was hampered by the pay row that culminated in the chaotic emergency timetable that plagued services last summer, when cancellations and overcrowding were rampant. The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers was among those who questioned the methodology that was used to evaluate the trial. Thousands of real-world experiences illustrate the barrier that the return of peak fares represents for commuters.”
“I imagine that all parties would be willing to look at proposals if they were brought back to the table for the next budget, in which policies could be properly costed, funding identified and priorities balanced. Scottish Liberal Democrats have long campaigned to get cars and lorries off the roads, moving passengers and freight on to our railways as part of a package to tackle the climate crisis. Getting more people and goods on to trains will reduce congestion, improve air quality and help to tackle the climate emergency. It means connecting more communities, too. In government, we paved the way for the Borders railway and a station for Laurencekirk. However, the Conservatives’ amendment overlooks Newburgh, in Fife, where my colleague Willie Rennie has fought tirelessly for a new station.”
“Less than 24 hours after tax and spending plans were agreed, it is not serious or credible to ask the Parliament to back a package of changes that would cost £50 million this year. There is no indication of where that money should come from. If the proposal is that the money should be moved around in the transport budget, that could mean taking money away from buses, ferries, walking and cycling improvements and fixing potholes. I have a particular interest in the delivery of infrastructure upgrades for areas that are less well connected—the rural and island communities, who need working, reliable ferries and progress on fixed links.”
“I welcome the opportunity to reply on behalf of the Scottish Liberal Democrats. We believe that rail needs to be affordable, that ticketing is too complex and that new stations are needed to connect more communities. We are ambitious for rail in Scotland. It is regrettable that the debate comes less than 24 hours after the Scottish Parliament passed the 2025-26 budget. As the Greens, the Government and others have acknowledged, my party approached the budget talks constructively. We secured big changes for the communities that we represent and for Scotland as a whole, and we are willing to sit down and talk through ideas. That is why it is hard to understand the timing of the debate.”
“Shetland has only two dairy herds left that supply local milk. Additional milk supplies are imported and, when the ferry does not run, there is increased demand for local milk. With fluctuating demand, and given the challenges of the island dairy sector, how can the Scottish Government support dairy businesses to ensure that local milk will still be available? Jim Fairlie: As I said to Craig Hoy, the Scottish Government is undertaking a number of initiatives to continue to support dairy production. I understand the particular difficulties that exist in Shetland, and I am happy to have a conversation with Beatrice Wishart as to what more we can do to help in that regard. Inheritance Tax (Farmers) 7.”
“The debate has attracted a lot of interest, so I would be grateful if members could stick to their speaking time allocations. 17:54”
“They include the dangerous actions of other vessels at sea, such as the widely reported incidents involving the Pesorsa Dos and the Antonia Maria; the trade and co-operation agreement—TCA—negotiations; marine planning and marine protected areas; marine pollution; ghost gear; and the impact of dumping at sea on fish, seabirds, cetaceans and other marine life. There is so much to say, but, should the Scottish Government initiate a fisheries debate within the remainder of the parliamentary term, there will be a further opportunity to expand on all those important matters. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, Ms Wishart. I echo your comments on the loss of Dr Ian Napier. We move to the open debate. I advise members that we are a bit pressed for time, given the later decision time.”
“Steaming to Norway, where the price difference can be as much as £300 per tonne, to land a catch can save time and money, despite the costs and environmental impact of increased fuel usage. I understand that a Scottish Government review of the impact of the amended economic link provisions is under way. When the cabinet secretary responds to the debate, it would be helpful if she could indicate when that report will be published. I recognise the time constraints on the debate, so I will conclude by mentioning that other challenges exist.”
“To the uninitiated, that might seem a reasonable ask, to benefit the wider Scottish economy, but when unintended consequences are not addressed they affect the fleet, its landings and income and, ultimately, the country’s economy. Uncertainty about the future in turn stalls further vessel investment and creates delay in replacing retiring crew or bringing in new, young talent. I heard an example of what can happen during the short summer herring season. Four pelagic processing factories operate in Scotland, and vessels that are not tied to a specific processor can find themselves vying for a time to land their catch. Waits of up to four days to land are not unknown, which impacts the quality of the catch and causes delay in returning to fishing grounds. Herring waits for no one.”
“Hauling up a cable could result in the loss of a vessel or, worse, the loss of lives. National security is important in a volatile world where foreign powers might seek to undertake acts of disruption. I therefore reiterate my support for the creation of cable corridors to co-ordinate cables from offshore wind turbines, interconnectors and telecoms to run along designated routes. Yesterday, I was in Whalsay, where Shetland’s pelagic fleet is based. The island community there is built around centuries of fishing—it is the epitome of a successful fishing community. I heard at first hand of the impact of the Scottish economic link licence condition. The fish landings obligation requires pelagic vessels to land 55 per cent of their catch at Scottish ports. If they do not, they have to return quota to the Scottish Government.”
“In its briefing to members the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation stated: “Successful, viable and long-standing businesses will lose access to vast tracts of the seabed where they have fished effectively and efficiently for decades. These areas have remained productive for many years but are now set to be lost to food production as they become industrialised with floating offshore wind farms where it will be practically impossible for fishing to continue due to the physical infrastructure of the windfarm.” Offshore wind power cannot happen at the expense of fishing. A transition is not just if it ends up squeezing the life out of viable fishing businesses. In October 2022, Shetland experienced serious damage to sea bed telecommunication cables, which impacted all aspects of island life. There are also safety issues.”
“However, fishing is becoming increasingly challenging. Without those who harvest the nutritious, healthy fish, the economy and food security would suffer. On numerous occasions, I have raised concerns about the level of Scottish Government investment in Scotland’s marine directorate, which I believe is inadequately resourced given all that is asked of it. Fisheries protection, marine protection, renewable energy, scientific research and data gathering are all necessary for future policy making. We have seen traditional fishing areas lost to at- sea infrastructure. Since the discovery of North Sea oil and gas, more than 50 years ago, we have had a growing renewable energy sector, with sites set to host vast swathes of offshore wind farms. Climate change is real, but so, too, is spatial squeeze.”
“He made a significant contribution to the industry, not least with his work on the Shetland Islands Regulated Fishery (Scotland) Order 1999, which, some 25 years later, is held up as a good example of local inshore fisheries management. Ian Napier’s sudden passing is mourned across the community and industry, by his friends and colleagues at UHI Shetland and, most of all, by his family. To them, I extend my deepest sympathy. A recent global survey deemed fishing to be the most dangerous job in the world. I pay tribute to all the fishermen across the United Kingdom, many of whom are in the Shetland fleet. Fishing is a way of life, with family businesses, knowledge and skills passed down from generation to generation. Fishermen are custodians of our seas and stakeholders in its wellbeing, and they are invested in a sustainable future.”
“Thanks to those who supported the motion and the debate and to everyone who provided briefings. Despite championing our world-class seafood, the Scottish Government last held a debate on fisheries in 2022. The sector makes a significant contribution to Scotland’s economy and to our coastal communities. As a representative of Shetland, where fishing is of such economic and cultural importance, I cannot speak about the industry without referring to the recent sad passing of the senior fisheries policy adviser at UHI Shetland. Dr Ian Napier was a highly respected scientist and long-time supporter of Shetland’s fishing industry.”
“Twenty-four per cent of Shetland’s total water system is reliant on old asbestos cement piping— twice the national average—so why is public money being spent on bonuses, not on a swifter pipe replacement programme? Alasdair Allan: As I mentioned, Scottish Water has a good story to tell about its wider performance, but I recognise Beatrice Wishart’s point about the need for continuing investment. There is continuing investment—in fact, £1 billion has been invested in the water network around the country, and we will seek to provide more investment. Scottish Water is taking action and is committing up to £500 million to improve water quality, increase monitoring of the highest-priority waters and, as I mentioned, deal with spills and overflows. Community Wealth Building”