McArthur reacts to revised Scottish Government budget  

Following a vote in the Scottish Parliament today where MSPs backed the Scottish Government’s revised budget at Stage 1, Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur said:  

“When the Scottish Government first presented its draft budget to parliament, Scottish Liberal Democrats welcomed various measures that reflected the outcome of negotiations we had with Ministers.

“I was particularly pleased to see confirmation of funding to allow the process of procuring new vessels for Orkney’s lifeline internal ferry fleet to get underway. The positive response to my calls for peak ferry fares to be removed on Northern Isles ferry services was also welcome. 

“Scottish Liberal Democrats were clear however, that the budget needed to go further before our support could be given. 

“The announcement today that £300 million of funding has been secured in the revised budget set out by the Finance Secretary demonstrates the value of Scottish Liberal Democrats entering those negotiations.  

“As a result, we see additional funding for hospices, colleges, and £178 million in support for small businesses, including £4m in rates relief for self-catering properties. As I know from my engagement with the sector locally, these businesses have been hit hard by the recent revaluation.  

“This is not a budget the Scottish Liberal Democrats would have introduced, but it does now reflect more of our priorities and is therefore one we can now support in the interests of the communities we represent, including in the islands”.