John Finnie MSP

Highlands and Islands

Justice, Transport & Tourism, Rural & Island Communities

John is a former police officer and has been a Highlands and Islands MSP since 2011. He is a member of Holyrood's Justice and Rural Economy committees. He successfully campaigned against deploying armed police to routine incidents, work for which he was awarded “Community Politician of the Year 2014”. He has campaigned against cuts to local education and medical services, police control rooms and Citizen’s Advice Bureaux and for public ownership of Calmac Ferries and the railways. He has also pushed for ethical investment of public funds and against ship to ship oil transfers of oil in the Moray Firth.

Scottish Greens respond to drug deaths figure delay

Mon 22 Jun, 2020

Responding to reports that the publication of Scotland’s drug death figures is to be delayed, Scottish Greens MSP John Finnie said:

“It’s deeply troubling that the publication of the latest drug death statistics is to be delayed. It’s not good enough for the Crown Office to say it ‘appreciates the impacts of the delays.’ It must confirm exactly how long this backlog will take to clear.

Greens call for update on seven year long rendition investigation

Mon 22 Jun, 2020

The Lord Advocate should come before parliament to provide an update on a now seven year long investigation into the possibility that Scottish airports were involved in rendition, Scottish Greens Justice Spokesperson John Finnie MSP has said.

The former Lord Advocate Frank Mullholland instructed Police Scotland to enquire into claims that Scottish Government owned airports were complicit in the process of abduction and torture in June 2013.

Community must be at heart of Cairngorm Mountain future

Thu 18 Jun, 2020

Responding to the publication of the Auditor General’s report: Highlands and Islands Enterprise Management of Cairngorm Mountain and Funicular Railway, Scottish Greens Highlands and Islands MSP John Finnie said:

Greens call for fair work to be put at heart of tourism restart

Tue 26 May, 2020

Scottish Greens Tourism Spokesperson John Finnie MSP has this afternoon called for the Scottish Government to ensure that trade unions are involved in discussions about restarting the tourism industry to ensure that fair work terms are put on the agenda.

Questioning the Scottish Government in parliament this afternoon Mr Finnie highlighted the importance of the tourism sector to the Highlands and Islands region, where it accounts for 15% of jobs, [1] almost double the national average.

Every school child should have access to a bike say Greens

Tue 26 May, 2020

With schools expected to reopen in August, Scottish Greens Transport Spokesperson John Finnie MSP is calling for urgent and bold action from the Scottish Government to ensure every child can get to school safely.

Significant investment will be required in buses, the school estate and to provide safe cycling and walking routes to school. This work will have to be carried out quickly to ensure it’s ready in time.

Here’s what we need to do so that every child can get to school safely

John Finnie MSP Tue 26 May, 2020

Highlands not yet open for visitors says Finnie

Thu 21 May, 2020

The Scottish Government has signalled its intention to begin a phased end to lockdown restrictions on the 28^th May, but restrictions on travel, tourism and hospitality businesses are likely to remain for sometimes to come.

The Green MSP has previously issued calls for short-term let operators throughout the Highlands to stop taking bookings throughout the crisis and for people with second homes in the region to stay away for now.

Care inspectorate seeks cancellation of Home Farm registration

Thu 14 May, 2020

Responding to reports that the Care Inspectorate has applied to the Sheriff Court seeking cancellation of Home Farm Care Home’s registration, Scottish Greens Highlands and Islands MSP John Finnie said:

Cooperation key to ensure adequate death investigations

Wed 13 May, 2020

Responding to a statement from the Lord Advocate to parliament this afternoon, Scottish Greens Justice Spokesperson John Finnie MSP said:

“I welcome confirmation from the Lord Advocate that deaths in care homes and those of people who are believed to have contracted Covid19 at their workplace will now be reported to the Crown Office.

“It’s essential that frontline workers are offered every protection in their workplace, and investigation must take place if there is any doubt that hasn’t been the case.

Increase public stake in buses to help recovery

Wed 6 May, 2020

Increasing the public stake in bus companies will help Scotland ease out of lockdown, the Scottish Greens have said.

The call comes after First Group told Good Morning Scotland the company will find maintaining social distancing on routes “unsustainable” once lockdown is eased.

Scottish Green transport spokesperson John Finnie said: “Scotland can only start to leave lockdown when it is safe to do so, but we need to ensure that when we get moving again, jobs are protected and people are safe.