Scottish Labour Selects John Erskine for Shetland Election Fight

Scottish Labour has officially selected John Erskine as its candidate for the Shetland seat in the upcoming Scottish Parliamentary elections scheduled for May 2026. This announcement follows earlier discussions, as reported by Shetland News, about the need for representation in the region. Erskine’s nomination comes amid local party dynamics, resulting in the resignation of Stephen Leask, the local Labour Party chairman, who had advocated for a candidate from Shetland.

With Erskine’s candidacy confirmed, he becomes the third official contender for the Shetland seat, joining Emma Macdonald from the Liberal Democrats and Hannah Mary Goodlad from the Scottish National Party (SNP). Previously, Erskine campaigned for a seat in Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch in 2021 and currently ranks second on Scottish Labour’s regional list for the Highlands and Islands.

Erskine’s Background and Vision for Shetland

Raised in the Highlands, Erskine brings a wealth of experience to his candidacy. He has served as an adviser to Rhoda Grant, the Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Highlands and Islands, and held the role of spokesperson for energy, connectivity, and the islands in Anas Sarwar’s campaign cabinet during the 2021 elections.

Expressing his commitment to the constituency, Erskine stated, “I am proud to have been selected to stand for Labour in Shetland.” He emphasized the failures of the current SNP government, asserting that “Islanders and communities across the Highlands and Islands have been let down.” He outlined a clear choice for voters: either continue with a government that has “run out of steam” or opt for a Scottish Labour government that aligns with local ambitions.

Erskine identified pressing local issues, including “housing shortages” and unreliable ferry services, highlighting that residents “know all too well that things simply don’t work after two decades of the SNP.” He pledged that Scottish Labour would address these concerns by fixing the NHS, reducing patient wait times, and tackling the housing crisis through affordable housing initiatives in rural and island communities.

Commitment to Local Economy and Energy Transition

In addition to healthcare and housing, Erskine committed to revitalizing local economies and enhancing community safety. He stated, “We’ll support our high streets and grow the local and regional economy,” and emphasized the need for community policing to ensure that islanders feel secure.

Moreover, Erskine outlined a vision for a sustainable energy future, advocating for significant investment in renewable energy while ensuring that traditional jobs in oil and gas remain protected during the transition. “We’ll deliver a proper plan for energy transition, investing in renewables and GB Energy, but protecting good oil and gas jobs as part of a just transition that Shetland must be at the heart of,” he asserted.

As the election date approaches, Erskine’s candidacy presents a significant moment for Scottish Labour, positioning the party as a viable alternative to the SNP in Shetland and beyond. With a focus on community issues and a commitment to meaningful change, Erskine aims to resonate with voters seeking a government that prioritizes their needs.