Liam McArthur commends the ‘pivotal role’ played by Orkney’s wholesalers

Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur has commended the work of Scotland’s wholesale sector, and highlighted the pivotal role it plays in local communities like Orkney. He pointed to the multiplier effect of wholesalers within local economies, where they help support and sustain so many other businesses and services.

Speaking during a member’s debate in parliament this evening (25 September) on the Importance of the Scottish Wholesale Sector, Mr McArthur made special mention of the part played by Stromness-based wholesaler, James Wilsons during the Covid-19 pandemic in ensuring not just local shops, but schools, care homes, as well as patients and staff at the Balfour hospital were kept supplied with the food and goods they needed.

Orkney’s MSP also drew attention to the specific challenges faced by island-based wholesalers, commenting:  

“We are invariably at the end of supply chains. Given the transport and logistical challenges we face, and the risks posed to local residents and businesses in the event of ferry disruption, island wholesalers have to adapt and build in more ‘headroom’. Holding additional stock, though, involves more cost and risk. It’s no surprise, therefore, that wholesalers like Wilsons and J&W Grays find themselves operating on tighter profit margins compared to their mainland counterparts.” 

Mr McArthur concluded by raising the need to support island wholesalers in meeting higher costs, not least as part of efforts by the sector to reduce emissions, commenting:  

“Scottish Ministers must be alive to the need to help remove barriers to decarbonisation for the island wholesale sector, whether through addressing grid constraints, speeding up planning processes or providing sustained financial support for green investment.”