News / Beatrice Wishart to stand down as MSP at next election
SHETLAND MSP Beatrice Wishart has announced she will not seek re-election at the next Scottish Parliament election next year.
Wishart, who represents the Liberal Democrats, was first elected in a 2019 by-election, and won re-election two years later.
The Shetland Liberal Democrats will now start the process of selecting a candidate for the forthcoming Scottish election.
She said she had taken “the difficult decision” not to stand again in 2026.
“After careful consideration, I think May 2026 is an appropriate time for me to step aside and let someone else carry the liberal torch for Shetland,” she said.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to represent the people of Shetland and I shall always be grateful that I had the opportunity to do so. I would like to reassure you that during the remainder of the parliamentary term I will continue to work tirelessly for all constituents.
“I am so proud to have been the first female parliamentarian elected to represent Shetland and to follow in the footsteps of Jo Grimond, Jim Wallace, Alistair Carmichael and Tavish Scott as the voice of the islands in parliament.”
Wishart said she had championed the issues that people had told here were most important, like ferries, fixed links, fisheries and energy.
She added: “I am not naturally someone who blows their own trumpet but I am also proud of the work that I have done as convener of the cross party group on brain tumours.
“Vital research is being done in this area and I hope that by highlighting some of the successes as well as the remaining challenges it offers hope to people who live with brain tumours.”
Wishart said she felt she still had “plenty in the tank” and would find a new role to play in Shetland life “before long”.
Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said she had been a “fantastic voice for Shetland”.
“She has fearlessly fought the islands’ corner and delivered for the community, not least the commitment to progress a new Gilbert Bain hospital which was included in our recent budget deal,” he added.
“The debate she led on the government’s hated highly protected marine areas was crucial in forcing SNP ministers to change course over plans that could have devastated Shetland’s fisheries, while her speeches on the issue of pregnancy loss have always been powerful and moving.
“I will miss having her in our parliamentary party when she steps down next year and I wish her all the best for the future.”
Northern Isles MP and fellow Lib Dem Alistair Carmichael said: “I am sad that Beatrice has decided to call it a day but I completely understand and respect her reasons.
“She has represented the isles through some of the most turbulent years we have seen in living memory and it is significant that she was the first woman to represent Shetland directly at the parliamentary level.
“She has been an exceptionally diligent and effective MSP, as anyone who has worked with her or sought her help will know. Even just in the past few months, wins for the isles in the Scottish Budget demonstrate her effectiveness in fighting our corner.
“On a personal level I am proud to have worked with her as a colleague and as a friend over these years and I know that she will remain very firmly on the Shetland scene – just try to stop her.”
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