I’m the Co-Convenor of the Orkney Greens, and in May 2017 was elected as Councillor for the Scottish Green Party with Orkney Islands Council (OIC) for the Ward of East Mainland, Burray and South Ronaldsay. Although I didn’t re-stand in May 2022, I was the first person to be elected to OIC from a mainstream political party – all the remaining 20 Members are ‘Independent’. Our short history just shows what can be done, and we now have two Elected Members on OIC!

WHY DID YOU JOIN?

I wanted to make a difference following the disappointing result of the 2014 Independence referendum, and so I joined the Scottish Green Party. This is the only political party that I have ever joined, although I have been an environmental advocate for much of my career with third sector Scottish conservation NGOs (RSPB Scotland and SWT). I helped form the Orkney Greens in November 2014, and so I’ve been a Green activist for the best part of a decade! Although I’m a natural ‘Greenie’ I’m attracted to other policies in some other parties too, and I like the consensual way that the SGP operates in general.

WHAT’S THE SCOTTISH GREEN PARTY POLICY CLOSEST TO YOUR HEART?

Lots! The Orkney Greens’ priorities may be found on our Facebook page:  www.facebook.com/orkneygreens. Another of the attractive qualities of the SGP is their approach to subsidiarity. It’s very easy to find local priorities which nest easily within those priorities identified nationally. In Orkney we’re keen on the promotion of community renewables; the reduction of fuel poverty; the replacement of our ferry fleet with modern vessels using renewable fuel, and arms trade divestment to cite just a few. A net zero carbon budget for our islands underpins everything.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE BRANCH?

It’s important that HIGP doesn’t forget the periphery! Inverness is a long way from Kirkwall, Lerwick and Stornoway. Whilst we communicate regularly through social media platforms, and try to get our voice and priorities across, we need to be vigilant regarding the priorities in the Islands. We need to ensure that the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 actually works in practice, and we need the support and understanding of our mainland colleagues.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO PEOPLE THINKING OF JOINING?

Phone me, email me, talk to me! There are about 50 SGP members in Orkney; we have only a dozen or less activists; and yet look at what we’ve achieved! Anything is possible with a bit of thought and application. Our Green network, including our 8 national MSPs is approachable and friendly. Why not give it a try?

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS & WHY?