Scottish Parliament By-Election 2019 / Beatrice Wishart
Liberal Democrats
I’m delighted to be standing as the Liberal Democrat candidate in Shetland.
British politics is in turmoil and the SNP is trying to capitalise on the chaos of Brexit by pushing for more chaos in the form of independence. Both Brexit and independence would make our economy, security and trading ties all much more vulnerable and our public services much poorer.
Liberal Democrats are the home for progressives across the UK who’ve had enough of this constitutional wrangling and want to get on with what matters – investing in the health service, our transport networks and education.
I’m a Shetlander and care deeply about improving our public services and transport links so they really work in practice for everyone who lives and works here. I was raised in Shetland and after a short spell in Edinburgh I came back to raise my family here too. My father was an active Liberal campaigner, which is maybe where I got the liberal gene.
The Liberal Democrats have a long record of action for Shetland. I am proud to have been part of the Liberal Democrat team who has delivered so much for local people for so many years.
From cutting airfares for local people to being a champion for local crofters and the seafood industry, the Liberal Democrats have always put Shetland first.
I have seen from my work with Tavish Scott and Alistair Carmichael the difference our MSP can make to local people, helping with individual problems and pushing for action on the issues that affect us all.
In 2017 I was elected to the council for Lerwick South and appointed Depute Convener. I have always felt it important to do my bit in the local community and taking up this role has made me even more alert to the things we need to improve.
If elected as our local MSP I would press on with ensuring our ferry services get fair funding. Islanders deserve well-resourced and reliable inter-island connections as well as comfortable and affordable routes to Aberdeen.
When it comes to healthcare I want to see where possible more services return to Shetland. It’s not only a stressful and worrying experience for people to have to travel to Aberdeen for treatment, it’s extremely time-consuming too. We need to improve mental health care, especially for our young people, so people get the help they need when they need it.
I would also push for improvements to connectivity, as poor broadband and mobile coverage continues to restrict people and businesses across Shetland.
If I am elected as your next MSP I will be a relentless advocate for the isles and use my platform to stand up for Shetland. I’ve set up an office at 122 Commercial Street and my door is always open if you’d like to come and raise an issue or seek some advice.
Facebook: Beatrice Wishart for Shetland / https://www.facebook.com/BeatriceWishartforShetland/
Email: beatrice.wishart@scotlibdems.org.uk
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -
- Remove non-local ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
