I am writing on the back of an invigorating 91st Annual National Conference of the SNP, held in the granite city of Aberdeen.
While many media outlets settle for reporting that we talked about independence again – and what a surprise that we did! – the three-day event saw members travel from across Scotland and further afield to debate and discuss the key issues facing folk in the country right now. Being the party of government, it is how we shape policies to take action to solve the issues that we have powers over.
It will be a surprise to very few folk that housing, transport, fuel poverty, energy ownership, employer national insurance, pensions, and the climate and nature crises were all on the agenda alongside the case for independence.
And it was good to see our candidates for Shetland and Orkney, Hannah Mary Goodlad and Robert Leslie, both speak on a motion on Monday afternoon seeking a better deal for NorthLink ferry passengers. That resolution would see the Scottish Government work with NorthLink and Transport Scotland to look at reserving vehicle and passenger capacity on the Shetland-Aberdeen service for Shetland residents in peak season, and ending seasonal ferry pricing for island residents, which would also benefit Orkney. This would seem to be a sensible move when you consider that peak rail fares have been scrapped on the Scottish mainland. The ferries are the lifeline service for islanders after all, and such a move would be similar to extending the free bus travel for folk under 22 to free internal ferry trips for islanders, something for which I fought hard.
This was an historic conference in terms of speakers, with Roz Foyer, general secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress speaking on the main stage for the very first time, and backing the view that, if the question of self-determination arises again then it is for our parliament – Scotland’s parliament – to hold a referendum if it so chooses. No UK Government should deny the will of Scotland’s people, she said.
And who knew that John Swinney’s favourite band was The Jam? He still listens to them when he is running. John singled out what he described as their most iconic song, Down In The Tube Station at Midnight, an anthem that rails against the evils of fascism, against which he told the conference crowd that he would always stand firm.
He also talked about finding peace in his life in Scotland’s islands, not least his granny’s home in Orkney surrounded by the turquoise waters that locals know so well.
John was talking about his background – as the person that would be seeking to be elected once again as First Minister next May. There was a hint of mischief as he told the Aberdeen audience that it was the honour of his life to be First Minister, but then said, ‘but let me let you into a secret, I’m just getting started’.
I’m sure we all look forward to seeing how his plans progress.
This is a regular column by SNP MSP Emma Roddick. All Highlands and Islands MSPs have been offered the same space in The Orkney News to share their views.