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 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 [...]

SNP MSP Emma Roddick has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement of flexible grants to drive efficiency, protect nature, and support climate-friendly farming. This means that farmers and crofters, including those in the Isles, will benefit from £20 million additional capital support this year and £26 million next year. At least £14 million will deliver a [...]

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 [...]

Emma Roddick has welcomed the progress of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill and called on the Scottish Government to ensure that the Bill provides adequate support to community groups who wish to take ownership of land. Ms Roddick highlighted the importance of the Bill in supporting community groups to own and manage land for the [...]

The SNP Government has significantly expanded the support available through Scotland’s Migration Service. This service, introduced by the SNP in Government, ensures newcomers to Scotland have the information they need to move here and that businesses are guided through the process of sponsoring and employing international workers. Population decline is one of the biggest challenges [...]