What have candidates been focussing on recently for the Scottish Parliament Elections for Thursday 6th May ?

Liam McArthur, LibDem candidate is backing the Children’s Hospice Across Scotland CHAS) manifesto, which calls on politicians of all parties to stand alongside the 16,700 families across Scotland facing the terrifying heartbreak that their child may die young.

Liam McArthur said:

“It’s vitally important that children with life-shortening conditions have access to the best possible care and support. Sadly, the number of children across Scotland with palliative care needs is growing and it is a trend that is expected to continue.

“It’s therefore imperative that the right measures are in place to guarantee that all children and their families have timely and equal access to the highest quality of care, whenever and wherever they need it.

“That’s why I’m backing CHAS’s manifesto which has set out the actions that the next parliament needs to take to make this happen”.

SNP candidate Robert Leslie has welcomed the launch of a ‘Sustainably Scottish’ marketing brand. The SNP has said it will create a single marketing brand for all sustainable Scottish produce as a central step in securing a strong recovery for the industry.

The brand – ‘Sustainably Scottish’ – will be available to all Scottish based producers, manufacturers and suppliers, big or small, that can satisfy stringent criteria on provenance and low carbon operations. The first Sustainably Scottish products will be Scotch beef, lamb and pork.

Commenting on his Facebook page,Robert Leslie said:

“Fergus’s [Ewing] take on the launch of this body was to have one voice to help promote Scotland’s food and drink rather than several fragmented voices, and that would make sense when trying to gain footholds in new markets.”

Labour are focussing on the ferries. Rhoda Grant, H&I candidate commenting on Scotland’s ferry services said:

“Scotland’s ferry network is in utter disarray and fault lies at the door of the SNP. The usual apology for inconvenience over the tannoy won’t cut it. This is mismanagement of lifeline services, wasting tens of million of taxpayers money, and risks future tourism as lockdown lifts.This cannot go on. Scottish Labour would work with islanders for a full review of ferry services, and develop a new strategy to upgrade our ports, and deliver a programme of repairs to be made in Scotland.

“Ferry travel should also be free for under 25s. For a national recovery, give Scottish Labour your second vote.”

For the Conservatives in Scotland, Douglas Ross, H&I regional candidate, as Scottish leader had to spend a good deal of time fire fighting the reaction to media reports of comments made by Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The Tory Prime Minister has denied saying ‘let the bodies pile high’ in a discussion about Covid and lockdown measures.

Douglas Ross has welcomed the easing of restrictions in Scotland, 26th April, and the reopening of bars and businesses. Commenting on his Facebook page Douglas Ross said:

“Fantastic to see businesses across Scotland start to reopen today after the incredibly difficult year they’ve had. To those of you heading out to support your local businesses – enjoy and stay safe. Cheers!”

The candidates for the Orkney Constituency in the Scottish Parliament elections on Thursday 6th May are as follows:

• Samuel Bown – Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
• Coilla Drake – Scottish Labour Party.
• Robert Fraser Leslie – Scottish National Party (SNP).
• Liam Scott McArthur – Scottish Liberal Democrats

Scottish Parliament Election: Highlands and Islands Regional Candidates

In Orkney, electors who are not voting by post are reminded about Covid safety measures in place at polling stations.

Two polling stations have moved. In Kirkwall St Magnus Centre will not be used and that polling station is now at The Pickaquoy Centre. The South Ronaldsay and Burray Polling Station has moved from the ‘Hope School to the Cromarty Hall. 

• Polling Stations will be open from 07:00 (7am) – 22:00 (10pm) and all safety precautions and guidance measures will be adhered to. This includes physical distancing, limitations on the numbers inside where necessary and one-way systems where possible.
• Marshalls will be on hand at all the polling stations to guide folk on where to go
• Face coverings are required to be worn and hand sanitizer will be available on entry and exit.
• Staff will be behind protective screens, and venues will be cleaned thoroughly throughout the day.
• Voters are welcome to take their own pen or pencil, however there will be a fresh, clean one available for each person.

Reporter: Fiona Grahame