Hannah Mary Goodlad, the Scottish National Party (SNP) candidate for the Shetland constituency, has successfully invited First Minister John Swinney for a public meeting, marking his second visit since her campaign launch. The event will take place at Mareel on February 23, 2024, at 19:00, and will be moderated by local broadcaster Jane Moncrieff. Attendees can obtain free tickets through the Mareel box office.
Goodlad has identified the fishing industry as a central focus of her campaign ahead of the upcoming elections in May. “Growing up in a family deeply connected to fishing, I understand its significance to Shetland,” she stated. “Fishing was a regular topic at our family meals, and it has instilled in me a profound appreciation for our local industry.”
In recent months, Goodlad has engaged with members of the Shetland Fishermen’s Association, conducting four meetings to discuss pressing issues. She expressed her concerns regarding the recent decision by Mairi Gougeon, the Scottish fisheries minister, to increase the required mackerel landing percentage in Scotland from 50% to 70%.
Another concern she raised involves the enforcement of regulations on foreign vessels transshipping their catch from Shetland waters. “We need to investigate this matter thoroughly with Marine Scotland,” she noted. Additionally, Goodlad highlighted the ongoing issue of unregulated gill netting, which has adversely affected local fishing boats. “This has persisted for years without resolution, and finding a solution is critical,” she added.
Goodlad believes that, with a seat in the Scottish Parliament, she could better advocate for the fishing sector, stating, “There is only so much I can manage as a candidate. If the fishing community trusts me in the May elections, I will be in a position to effect real change.”
In related news, Emma Macdonald, the Liberal Democrat candidate, responded to the recent consultation results regarding the future of the Northern Isles ferry service, published by Transport Scotland. The findings highlighted long-standing local concerns about service capacity, inadequate safety measures in pod lounges, and unfair pricing structures.
“This consultation confirms what we have been hearing for years: our ferry service is a lifeline,” Macdonald remarked. She emphasized the need for residents not to have to book weeks in advance for travel with vehicles or to choose between accommodation options. “Island life is not seasonal; it is our everyday reality.”
Macdonald advocated for restoring affordable cabin options that suit the needs of single travelers while ensuring safety and comfort. “Pods should not compromise safety or comfort; they must support long journeys effectively,” she stated. She called on the Scottish Government to prioritize the needs of islanders in future ferry contracts, emphasizing that ferries are vital for social, economic, and cultural connections to the mainland.
Meanwhile, Labour candidate John Erskine garnered attention for his support of embattled Prime Minister Keir Starmer, even as calls for Starmer’s resignation grew. Erskine’s loyalty to Starmer continues despite Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar‘s unprecedented push for the Prime Minister to step down.
The political landscape in Shetland is further enriched by the declarations of other candidates, including Alex Armitage of the Green Party and Brian Nugent representing the Sovereignty party. With the elections approaching, the candidates are intensifying their campaigns, focusing on key issues that resonate with the local electorate.
