This blog is now archived
This blog is now archived
Please note that this blog is no longer being updated.
A powerhouse Parliament for Scotland
Today the Scotland Bill, delivering the Smith Commission Agreement in full, will be debated in the House of Commons for the first time. It is the next step in turning Holyrood into a powerhouse Parliament. It is what the majority …
Life's a beach
Any islander will tell you that there’s something special about living beside the sea. It’s a part of life and, for many of us, a way of life. I believe our island communities know how to make the most of …
More powers for Scotland
It’s often said that a week is a long time in politics and I certainly think this has been a week which will live long in the memory. We started it by putting the wheels in motion to allow 16 …
Votes for 16 and 17 year olds
One of the huge positives from the hard-fought referendum on Scottish independence was the brilliant contribution Scotland's first-time voters - the 16 and 17-year-olds - made in deciding the future of our nation. Ever since I joined the Liberal party …
Planes, trains and automobiles
24 hours in the life of Alistair Carmichael Being a Member of Parliament is never a 9-5 job but when you represent the UK’s most northerly constituency it certainly isn’t. It can be a hectic life but it’s seldom dull. …
Use it or lose it
Bigger is better, so the saying goes. But when it comes to business I don’t think that’s always the case. Of course there’s a place for big business but many of today’s major firms started as much smaller enterprises – …
Hitting the jackpot
The job of Scottish Secretary takes me up and down the country, meeting charities, enterprises and businesses of all sizes. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the first draw of the National Lottery yesterday, one thing in particular struck a chord …
Devolution in action
In the wake of last month’s historic referendum on Scottish independence, work is now continuing apace to deliver more powers for the Scottish Parliament as the three main UK party leaders pledged ahead of the vote. Just this week we …
Vital role for local newspapers in indyref
Local newspapers will have a vital role to play in next month’s independence referendum. That's why the UK Government is undertaking an advertising drive across regional titles throughout the country, publicising its latest information pamphlet, Five Ways We’ll Benefit By …
Games showcase Glasgow and Scotland at their best
The 2014 Commonwealth Games has been a showcase of Glasgow, Scotland and indeed Britain, at their best. Among various governments, authorities and organisations there has been a welcome laying aside of any political differences to work together in common casue and …