Get the latest from Highlands and Islands MSP John Finnie

Climate plan needed for Scotland’s railway say Scottish Greens

Mon 14 Sep, 2020

The Scottish Government must take immediate action to climate proof Scotland’s railways, Scottish Greens Transport Spokesperson John Finnie MSP has said.

Speaking following the closure of the West Highland Line between Fort William and Crianlarich due to a landslip the Highlands and Islands MSP called for urgent action to protect Scotland’s rail network.

John Finnie MSP said:

Scottish Greens call for investment in bus manufacturing

Thu 20 Aug, 2020

Responding to reports that Alexander Dennis plans to cut 650 jobs, including at least 160 in Falkirk, Scottish Greens Transport Spokesperson John Finnie MSP said: 

Abuse redress scheme could let organisations off the hook 

Wed 19 Aug, 2020

The redress scheme for survivors of historical child abuse risks letting organisations where abuse took place off the hook, Scottish Greens Justice Spokesperson John Finnie MSP has said. 

Speaking in response to a parliamentary statement from the Education Secretary this afternoon, Mr Finnie noted that the scheme would likely afford survivors, who would be forced to give up their right to pursue a civil claim,  substantially lower sums than they may otherwise receive if they took an organisation to court. 

John Finnie MSP said: 

Action needed to protect key infrastructure from severe weather 

Wed 19 Aug, 2020

Commenting on reports that the main Glasgow – Edinburgh rail line may be forced to close because of the impact of severe weather, Scottish Greens Transport Spokesperson John Finnie MSP said: 

“The Scottish Government must finally take the threats posed by the climate crisis to Scotland’s transport infrastructure seriously. 

Grouse season must be the last seen in Scotland

Wed 12 Aug, 2020

The driven grouse shooting season which begins today must be the last seen in Scotland, the Scottish Greens have said.

The cruel Victorian hobby, enjoyed by very few people, was the subject of a two-year review led by Professor Alan Werrity which reported in January. Despite the fact its recommendations appeared to have been watered down at the request of landed interests, the Scottish Government has yet to respond.

Finnie calls for action to understand impact of tourism 

Wed 5 Aug, 2020

Highlands and Islands MSP John Finnie, the Scottish Green Party’s spokesperson on Tourism, has called on Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing, “to commission independent research into the social and environmental impact of tourism in Scotland.” 

Following a flurry of bad publicity surrounding the irresponsible behaviour of a number of tourists in the Highlands, Mr Finnie said:  

Scottish Greens demand government stops neglecting Argyll 

Wed 5 Aug, 2020

Scottish Greens Transport Spokesperson John Finnie MSP has called on the Scottish Government to stop neglecting Argyll and demanded a radical rethink on how the Scottish Government’s transport budget is spent after yet more landslips at the Rest and Be Thankful. 

The Highlands and Islands MSP made the call following the most recent incident of large, multiple landslips blocking not only the vital A83 into Cowal, Mid Argyll, and beyond, but also the Old Military Road typically used as a diversion during previous incidents. 

John Finnie MSP said: 

Urgent action needed to tackle drug deaths 

Mon 3 Aug, 2020

Responding to the publication of the Scottish Drug Deaths Taskforce One Year Report, Scottish Greens MSP John Finnie said: 

“Scotland’s drug deaths crisis requires urgent action. This public health emergency was responsible for almost 1,200 deaths in 2018, while the figures for 2019 have been delayed by dithering at the Crown Office. 

Rail Freight is key for greener Highland industry

Thu 30 Jul, 2020

The news that Highland Council has approved a planning application from Norbord to increase the height of two towers at the Morayhill site is, for the most part, to be welcomed.

The development reflects significant investment by the milling firm in the future of the site, increasing production and hopefully ensuring a future for the 130 there as well as hundreds more jobs in the wider Highland forestry industry.