Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has welcomed new statistics which show the number of second homes and long-term empty properties has fallen across Scotland following the introduction of new measures to curb their growth. Scottish Government figures released this week show that the total number of second homes and properties that have been empty [...]

SNP MSP Emma Roddick has today hailed the landmark announcement by Creative Scotland, which will see a record number of cultural organisations across Scotland receive stable, multi-year funding—thanks to a significant budget commitment from the Scottish Government. With over £200 million being provided to 251 organisations over the next three years, this represents the largest [...]

SNP MSP Emma Roddick has pointed to the consensus between landlords and tenants, as well as organisations representing them, on the need for stronger data to guide decisions on housing policy, particularly in relation to rent prices. Ms Roddick is seeking to bring forward amendments to the Scottish Government’s Housing Bill to strengthen data collection. [...]

SNP MSP for the Highlands and Islands Emma Roddick is urging folk living in island communities to take advantage of government support in the face of rising energy costs.  As of December 2023, the fuel poverty rate in Orkney and Shetland was 31%, significantly higher than the Scottish average of 24%. This is despite the [...]

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has platformed the concerns of young islanders across Scotland in Holyrood, pressing the Scottish Government on the urgent need for more affordable housing available in all communities. During a parliamentary question to Housing Minister, Paul McLennan, Ms Roddick highlighted a recent report from the Young Islanders Network, which revealed [...]

While the cost of living crisis is impacting everyone across the UK, here in the Highlands and Islands we feel the pinch even more. It's a simple fact: life already costs more here. We face higher standing charges for electricity, inflated prices for everyday essentials in the shops, and let's not even get started on [...]

During a visit to the site, Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has welcomed the Scottish Government’s continued commitment to funding HMP Highland, the new prison which will replace HMP Inverness. The new prison, which is currently under construction, will provide modern facilities for prisoners and staff and will be designed to support rehabilitation and [...]

SNP MSP for the Highlands and Islands Emma Roddick has welcomed the publication of a parliamentary report into the A9 dualling programme, stating that the onus is now on the Scottish Government to demonstrate its commitment to the revised delivery plan and rebuild public trust.  Speaking in the chamber, Emma made sure to highlight the [...]

SNP MSP Emma Roddick has suggested Scotland could follow Spain in taking radical measures to tackle the housing crisis. Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, announced plans this week to prioritise available homes for residents by imposing a tax of up to 100% on properties bought by non-residents in countries outside the EU. In a meeting [...]

The SNP’s Islands MSP Emma Roddick has expressed deep concern and disappointment over the Labour Government's decision to scrap the Winter Heating Payment, leaving vulnerable households across the Highlands and Islands facing soaring energy bills amidst freezing temperatures. The Winter Heating Payment, a lifeline for those struggling to heat their homes during the coldest months, [...]