First Minister John Swinney is visiting Shetland today, where he’ll meet families, businesses and frontline workers as he continues to champion his government’s key priorities: tackling child poverty, improving public services, growing the economy and protecting the environment.
During his visit, the First Minister is expected to meet with nursery staff, crofters, students at UHI Scalloway, and representatives of Lerwick Port Authority, with a focus on celebrating innovation and hearing first-hand about the challenges and opportunities of island life.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Swinney said:
“I’ve always been clear that I am First Minister for all of Scotland and that absolutely includes those living and working on our incredible islands.
“This will be my second visit to Shetland as First Minister, and I am very much looking forward to returning.
“I want to see progress, celebrate some of the hugely innovative work underway here, and listen to the lived experience of islanders.”
Shetland, he said, has a vital role to play in growing Scotland’s economy, particularly in renewable energy.
The expansion of the Deep Water Quay at Lerwick Harbour is set to help unlock the potential of offshore wind, supported by £1.175 million from Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
The project forms part of the Scottish Government’s wider commitment to invest £500 million over five years in ports and offshore wind supply chain infrastructure.
“This is the kind of forward-looking investment that creates jobs and brings long-term prosperity to communities like Shetland and beyond,” said the First Minister.
The First Minister also praised Shetland’s contribution to Scotland’s food and drink industry, calling local producers “world-class” and central to one of Scotland’s most successful export sectors.
On public services, he highlighted Shetland’s leading role in childcare reform, as one of six Early Adopter Communities across Scotland trialling expanded access to childcare in rural and island settings.
“These are just some of the ways Shetland is helping deliver the bold ambitions of this government,” he said.
Mr Swinney added that his visit would be an opportunity to see progress in action, but just as importantly, to listen to the needs of islanders and ensure they remain at the heart of decision-making.
