Another week, another slew of MSPs announcing their intention to stand down at the next election. Of most note, if no great surprise, was confirmation that Nicola Sturgeon plans to head for the Holyrood exit next May.
Orkney has established itself as a “must visit” destination for government ministers, parliamentary committees and politicians of every political stripe.
This week marks the third anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The quick victory expected by Putin was denied by stoic Ukrainian resistance, but the subsequent three years have seen casualties on both sides climb.
I’m delighted to confirm that 18 years after first being elected as Orkney’s MSP, I’ve finally delivered my ‘maiden’ speech in the cattle ring at The Mart. There are many more iconic debating chambers, but few as intimidating.
Last Thursday, as the last rites were read over the Scottish Government’s flagship, National Care Service, few tears were shed. This hapless attempt by the SNP to centralise care services proved singularly unpopular.
I hope 2025 has started well for you and continues in a similar vein. In political terms, it’s set to be another busy year at Holyrood, where attention will increasingly turn to the forthcoming Scottish Parliament election due in May 2026.
