Emma Roddick MSP has welcomed new Scottish Government funding to support small food and drink business in Orkney through the latest round of the Regional Food Fund. Grants of up to £5000 have been awarded to 15 innovative and collaborative projects across Scotland, with funding supporting everything from farmers markets and festivals to food tourism [...]

SNP MSP for the isles, Emma Roddick, has welcomed the news that the Scottish Government has confirmed the introduction of a procurement process for two new 140m Freight Flex vessels for the Northern Isles route. In response to a question from Emma Roddick, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport confirmed today that these vessels will replace [...]

Isles MSP Emma Roddick has welcomed new statistics showing the success of the SNP’s Carer Support Payment. More than £89.5 million has now been issued in vital financial support to carers throughout Scotland since it was piloted in November 2023, and this has reached people across the country. The Carer Support Payment replaces Carer’s Allowance for [...]

Emma Roddick MSP has highlighted the record funding going to Orkney after the Scottish Budget was passed at Holyrood this week, providing a £1 billion increase in funding to local authorities. After the budget received cross-party support – despite Labour and Tory MSPs sitting on their hands – Orkney is set to receive an increase [...]

Emma Roddick MSP has welcomed new figures which reveal £77,000 has been invested in Orkney’s playparks in 2024-45, bringing the total local investment up to £178,000 with play parks across the Isles improved, including Orkney Skate Park, Brandyquoy Play area, Marwick, and Eday. The Scottish Government has provided £35 million to renew or improve play [...]

Emma Roddick MSP for the Highlands and Islands region today welcomed the Scottish Government’s confirmation that 100% rates relief for hospitality businesses in the islands, including Orkney and Shetland, will continue. Ms Roddick has been a strong advocate for this relief, recognising the vital role that hospitality plays in the island economies. Ms Roddick emphasised [...]

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 [...]

Since the rollout of the free bus travel scheme, I have consistently argued that young islanders should be able to access the same benefits of those living on the mainland, through an expansion to inter-island ferries.  I often find myself making the point to some of my Central Belt colleagues that islanders rely on ferries [...]

MSP for the Highlands and Islands Emma Roddick has welcomed recent news that the Scottish Government is investing £3 million into Orkney’s internal ferry fleet, hailing the announcement as “really positive for Orcadians.” However, speaking to the Minister for Connectivity in the Scottish Parliament, Ms Roddick also urged the Scottish Government to continue to work [...]

Highlands & Islands SNP MSP, Emma Roddick, has welcomed the signing of a landmark agreement between local and national government, saying it demonstrates the Scottish Government’s commitment to empowering local authorities and providing high-quality public services in Orkney. The Verity House Agreement, which was signed by First Minister Humza Yousaf and COSLA President Shona Morrison, [...]