By Robert Leslie.
Orkney SNP welcomed First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney to a special meeting in the St Magnus Centre last Monday evening.
Around 30 branch members, along with Emma Roddick MSP, joined the hybrid meeting either in the hall or online.
The First Minister addressed members on a wide range of topics, from how he sees his role within the SNP as well as leading the Scottish Government. He looked at the wider political landscape, and also how the Scottish Government is helping address issues in the islands.
Discussions touched on crofting, fishing, education, energy policy and fuel poverty, the impact of Brexit, and how to build the case for independence.
On the case for Scotland to control migration policy, John Swinney said that his discussions with NHS Orkney and Orkney Islands Council had included the challenges of delivering social care within the community, which is influenced by the lack of working age folk in the islands. His assertion is that Scotland needs to have its own migration policy to support and assist with that. This has been rejected by UK governments, but could come with independence.
Orkney SNP convener, Robert Leslie, said:
“We were delighted that John took time during a busy day of engagements with Orkney Islands Council, NHS Orkney and representatives of the local farming community, to speak to members.
“It was a very fruitful and stimulating meeting, with plenty to think about in terms of campaigning for the next Scottish Parliament elections in 2026. It was great to host the First Minister, and hopefully other Scottish Government ministers will take John’s lead and find time to engage with us on visits to the islands. They’ll find a warm welcome.”
More about the First Minister’s visit to Orkney:
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