The Scottish Government has surpassed its commitment to deliver gigabit-capable broadband connections to 20,000 homes and businesses in 2024-25, by delivering 27,134 new connections last year – including over 6,000 in council areas within the Highlands and Islands region. The new connections come as part of the Scottish Government’s Reaching 100% (R100) programme, which aims [...]

Emma Roddick MSP has encouraged organisations in the Highlands to apply for funding the Scottish Government is offering to those who support victims of crime. The fund is made up of money collected through court fines, where someone convicted of a crime is ordered to pay a victim surcharge. It has paid out over £2.4m [...]

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick joined a local postie on their morning delivery route in Inverness today, gaining first-hand insight into the service Royal Mail provides to communities locally. Ms Roddick accompanied postie Gregor Todd for several hours, experiencing the challenges and rewards of delivering mail and parcels in all weather conditions. The visit [...]

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick joined local volunteers on the beach in Nairn this week for a community litter pick organised by social enterprise Green Hive.   The beach clean-up, which took place on Friday 4th July, brought together residents, families, and volunteers to tackle litter in the town centre and along the shoreline [...]

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has commended the crucial work of local community transport initiatives, following a visit to Partnerships for Wellbeing in Inverness. The discussion focused on the challenges faced by individuals, including wheelchair users, in accessing essential healthcare appointments and social activities due to transport limitations. During her visit, Ms Roddick discussed [...]

It’s that time of year again! My summer surgery tour will kick off soon, and I have listed those organised in the graphic below, which is available in plain text below. Please note that this list reflects the places I am travelling to for meetings and visits, and to meet with constituents in the region [...]

The Highlands and Islands is a place which constantly punches above its weight, leading in renewable energy, agriculture, and landscapes that inspire our local artists as well as those who are part of the seemingly exponential growth of visitors every year.  But increasingly, we are also constantly fighting the symptoms of depopulation. Growing up here, [...]

Emma Roddick MSP delivered an address at the RMT (Rail, Maritime and Transport) union’s conference in Inverness on Sunday, emphasising the critical role of rail workers and advocating for significant investment in Scotland’s, particularly the Highlands’, railway infrastructure. Addressing delegates from across the UK, Ms Roddick began by extending a warm Highland welcome, acknowledging the [...]

Emma Roddick MSP has called out the UK Government’s deal with the European Union as a “horror show” and “betrayal” of Scotland’s fishermen, referencing an intervention from Scottish Fishermen’s Federation in the Scottish Parliament today. In a question to the Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, the Highlands and Islands representative said: “The Scottish Fishermen's Federation [...]

Emma Roddick MSP has welcomed news that the SNP Government is investing over £26 million in active travel infrastructure across the country, with Inverness set to benefit from a new route at the Raigmore Interchange. The funding, announced by Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, supports construction ready projects through Tier 2 of the Active Travel [...]