Highlands & Islands MSP Emma Roddick has praised Social Security Scotland’s latest addition to its series of benefits, pointing out that it more than doubles the support previously provided by the DWP. The Winter Heating Payment, which is being rolled out this week, replaces the DWP’s Cold Weather Payment and is projected to support around [...]

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick hosted an event on behalf of Change Mental Health in the Scottish Parliament this week. The Scottish charity, previously known as Support in Mind Scotland, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Ms Roddick opened the event with a speech exploring her own experience of mental illness and her [...]

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has said that too much of Scotland’s budget is being spent on reducing the impact of harmful UK Government policies. During the debate prior to passing this year’s Scottish Budget, Ms Roddick praised the SNP Government’s continued prioritisation of tackling poverty, climate change, and social inequalities, but said Scotland [...]

SNP MSP for the Highlands and Islands, Emma Roddick, has today welcomed the announcement of additional funding for Islands ferries. The Deputy First Minister announced the decision during Stage 3 Scottish Budget and has subsequently written to all 4 councils across the Highlands and Islands that rely on the inter-islands ferry network. Given inflationary pressures, [...]

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has been announced as the guest speaker at this year’s Highland Pride. The event, which is planned for late July, is making its return following a three-year break during the coronavirus pandemic. Ms Roddick, who is well known for championing equality and LGBTQI+ rights as the first out parliamentarian [...]

Highlands & Islands MSP Emma Roddick has recently visited Nairn’s new zero-waste refill shop, the Highland Weigh. The Highlands-based social enterprise, which opened its shop in late November last year, offers a range of sustainable foods and household products. Commenting, Emma Roddick said: “It is really fantastic to see a zero-waste approach being offered in [...]

Highlands & Islands MSP Emma Roddick has recently visited staff and service users at Special Needs Action Project (SNAP) in Inverness. The charity, which supports people with additional support needs, offers a range of clubs, activities, and social experiences. Commenting on the visit, she said: “It was brilliant to go along and hear about all [...]

Highlands & Islands MSP Emma Roddick has praised Social Security Scotland for its progressive approach to the delivery of benefits across the Highlands and the rest of Scotland. During her speech on the agency’s soon-to-be thirteen benefits for Scotland, Ms Roddick took the opportunity to highlight her visit to the Local Delivery Team for the [...]

Highlands & Islands MSP Emma Roddick has warned against normalising the large wealth gap in the UK. Leading a debate on UK Income Inequality in the Scottish Parliament today [Thursday 9th February], Ms Roddick highlighted the findings of recent analysis by the Financial Times which investigated the standard of living of the worst-off in the [...]

Highlands & Islands MSP has said that she shares the frustrations of her constituents in the Highlands following the news that the procurement for the Tomatin to Moy section of the A9 dualling project is to be delayed after it only received one tender submission. Ms Roddick pressed the Minister for Transport, Jenny Gilruth, to [...]