Orcadian Column, 19/2/2026

Last Tuesday Orkney provided a fitting send-off for Jim Wallace with a funeral service in St Magnus Cathedral that was full of emotion but plenty of laughter too. Jim’s brother, Neil delivered a wonderfully ‘irreverent’ but deeply personal eulogy, while Stewart Shearer and Eric Linklater left not a dry eye in the house as they played ‘Jim’s Farewell to Politics’, composed by Andy Cant to mark Jim’s retirement from Holyrood in 2007.

Most fitting of all, perhaps, was the way in which the Cathedral choir, of which Jim had been a proud member over many years, inspired the congregation to raise the roof with lusty renditions of rousing hymns. Jim would most certainly have approved.

In the countless tributes paid to Orkney’s former MP and MSP over the past fortnight, all have spoken of his decency, sincerity and humility. Also underscored, has been Jim’s belief in a politics where you can stick to your principles while accepting the benefits of working across parties to get things done. As an architect of devolution, Jim ensured this would be a necessity in the new Scottish Parliament.

It felt appropriate, therefore, that the day after the funeral, parliament agreed the broad shape of a budget for which the government has had to seek support across parties. 

As with last year, Scottish Liberal Democrats engaged constructively in this process, resulting in an initial draft budget reflecting a number of our key demands, including more funding for colleges, ASL education and rates relief, notably for island hospitality businesses. I was particularly pleased to see funding to allow OIC to take forward procurement of new ferries and an end to ‘peak’ fares on Northlink services. 

We made clear, however, that the government needed to go further. To her credit, the Finance Secretary, Shona Robison responded by increasing funding for social care, neuro-divergency assessments and additional support for small businesses. This is not a Scottish Liberal Democrat budget, but it now contains around £300m of investment in areas we prioritised so it is one we will support.

The following day, at a session with business representatives from a wide range of sectors, including energy, food and drink, tourism, hospitality and justice that willingness to engage in serious negotiations over the budget was well-received. Even where specific outcomes may not have been as positive as hoped, a grown-up approach to politics was seen as reducing risk for businesses. Again, I like to think Jim would have approved, particularly in relation to funding for new ferries.

A busy week was capped off on a rugby theme, starting with a trip to The Oriam at Heriot Watt University on Saturday morning to watch Holyrood retain the parliamentary equivalent of the Calcutta Cup by getting get the better of their Westminster rivals 36-17. This victory was soon eclipsed, however, as Scotland’s men utterly dominated a resurgent England side at Murrayfield later that evening. It was a privilege to be there and even more so to have the chance to congratulate the Scotland players and coaching staff afterwards. We just need to hope they can back it up in Cardiff next Saturday.

Talking of rugby resurgence, Orkney has its own story to tell. Not only has the First XV bagged a series of gutsy wins in recent weeks, but the youth set up is really enjoying unprecedented success thanks to the commitment of players, coaches, volunteers and sponsors.

Not only did the under-18 Orkney boys deservedly win Young Team of the Year at the Orkney Sports Awards last month, but a host of youth players are making their mark on a regional and national level through the Scottish Rugby Union pathways. It only seems a matter of time before Cailynn Williamson is pulling on a Scotland shirt, while Michael Scarth, Balfour Norquoy and Murray Robertson have earned call-ups for the Glasgow Warriors youth squads.

Whether its politics or sport, delivering on a national stage while based in the islands takes that bit more effort and commitment. Like Jim Wallace over four decades in frontline politics, Orkney’s young rugby players, along with the other young athletes recognised at the recent Sports Awards, are showing they’ve got what it takes to do just that.