SNP MSP for the isles, Emma Roddick, has welcomed that Shetland Islands Council has been announced as one of the successful bidders for free school meal expansion. 17 local authorities applied to partner with the Scottish Government on the Test of Change phase of the Free School Meal programme, and Shetland was one of the eight chosen to deliver meals to those in receipt of Scottish Child Payment in S1 to 3 for a full school year, beginning August 2025, allowing independent evaluation to determine next steps.

Emma Roddick said:

“I am really pleased that Shetland is one of the eight local authorities which have been successful in their bids to work with the SNP Government on expanding free school meals.

“It is very important that any expansion of support aimed at tackling poverty and promoting equity works everywhere in Scotland, so we need to trial these things in island communities as well as urban centres on the mainland.

“I hope that this makes a real difference to families over the trial period, and gives the government key information that will allow more access to support in future.”