Shetland (Scottish Parliament constituency)

The Shetland constituency is one of the nine constituencies within the Highlands and Islands electoral region of the Scottish Parliament. It elects one Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) by the first past the post method. Additionally, Shetland is part of the Highlands and Islands region, which elects seven additional members to produce a form of proportional representation for the region as a whole.

Boundaries and Geography:

The constituency covers the entirety of the Shetland Islands archipelago, located northeast of mainland Scotland. This includes the main island of Mainland and numerous smaller inhabited and uninhabited islands. Due to its island nature, the constituency's boundaries are well-defined and relatively stable.

History:

The Shetland constituency was created in 1999 with the establishment of the Scottish Parliament. Prior to this, the area was part of the Orkney and Shetland constituency in the UK Parliament. The constituency has historically been a stronghold for the Liberal Democrats (formerly the Scottish Liberal Party and then the Scottish Liberal Democrats).

Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs):

The following individuals have served as MSPs for the Shetland constituency:

• 1999 – 2007: Tavish Scott (Scottish Liberal Democrats)
• 2007 – 2019: Tavish Scott (Scottish Liberal Democrats)
• 2019 – Present: Beatrice Wishart (Scottish Liberal Democrats)

Note: A by-election was held in 2019 due to Tavish Scott resigning his seat.

Electoral Results:

Electoral results in Shetland have generally favored the Scottish Liberal Democrats. However, other parties, including the Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Scottish Conservatives, have contested the seat. Detailed results for each election are available from official sources such as the Electoral Commission and the Scottish Parliament website.

Political Significance:

Shetland, while geographically remote, holds political significance due to its distinctive island culture and economy, which is heavily reliant on fishing, aquaculture, oil and gas, and tourism. Issues specific to island communities, such as transport links, fuel poverty, and local government funding, are often central to political debate in the constituency. The strong Liberal Democrat presence reflects a focus on localism and community empowerment.