MSP demands inquiry into ‘public health crisis’ of drug deaths
A public inquiry must be held urgently in order to address a rising number of drug deaths in Scotland, an MSP has said.
John Finnie
A light smack in ‘heat of the moment’ would not be prosecuted, MSPs are told
Giving a child a light smack in the “heat of the moment” would not result in a prosecution under Scotland’s smacking ban, it was claimed yesterday.
Police warn that smacking ban could cost the force
Police Scotland has warned MSPs that a smacking ban could result in increased costs to the force as officers spend more time investigating allegations against parents.
Green MSP John Finnie defends controversial parking tax plans
The Highlands and Islands MSP behind controversial workplace parking charges has claimed the controversial levy is unlikely to be introduced in remote areas.
Highlands and Islands MSP John Finnie attacked over parking tax at FMQs
The north MSP behind the parking tax was accused of not having “a clue” about how it will work as parties clashed over the controversial proposal at Holyrood.
Green MSP warns rural areas will suffer unless Derek Mackay’s budget delivers the goods
The Scottish Government and Greens were last night edging closer to striking a deal to get the budget through Holyrood - on the basis that local councils get more support.
Most teachers on government flagship scheme in north and north-east are on temporary contracts
Nearly two thirds of new teachers employed in north and north-east schools under a Scottish Government scheme to close the attainment gap are on temporary contracts.
Accusation A9 campaigners are getting ‘preferential’ treatment to A96 because MSP is Deputy First Minister
Transport Scotland has been accused of giving preferential treatment to A9 campaigners over a group in Moray because they are constituents of the Deputy First Minister.
Michael Matheson declines to give HIAL management vote of confidence
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson yesterday declined to say that he had confidence in Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) management when challenged over its performance yesterday.
Five stories you might have missed this week
From Elton John dropping in on Aberdeen for two nights to a Caley Jags player leaving a woman with ‘significant’ injuries after attacking her – here are five stories you might have missed this week.
Councils across north and north-east failing to fine people for litter
Thousands of litter louts in Aberdeen have been caught in the act - but just a handful of fines have been issued in neighbouring authorities.
Scottish Ministers ‘call in’ controversial Coul Links golf course proposal
Scottish Ministers have “called in” the controversial Coul Links golf course proposal.
Inverness independence march attracts thousands of participants
Thousands of pro-independence supporters took to the streets of Inverness on Saturday.
Council accused of ‘pouring cash down the drain’ with £48k interest costs on scrapped Elgin road scheme
Moray Council has been accused of “pouring cash down the drain” after it emerged it will be charged nearly £50,000 in interest for money it held for 15 years.
Armed officers called to help elderly lady after fall
Armed police have helped out at more than 80 incidents across Scotland in the last week – including giving an elderly lady in Aberdeen first aid after a fall.
Highland Green MSP gets on his bike to campaign for lower speed limits
Inverness Scottish Green MSP John Finnie took to his bike in the Highland capital to highlight calls for safer streets with lower speed limits.
John Finnie: Scotland could teach Spain about how a true liberal democracy works
Whatever side of Scotland’s independence referendum debate you were on, most people will agree it exemplified some of the best principles of democracy.
Deal for laid-off workers criticised by MSP
A leading Highland MSP has welcomed compensation offered to 31 workers made redundant - but criticised the terms of the deal.
MSP’s fury as 31 workers lose jobs
North Green MSP John Finnie yesterday raised with Nicola Sturgeon the plight of 31 recycling plant workers who have lost their jobs due to a Highland Council procurement decision.
Locals attack Green MSPs over golf course protests
A north community has erupted in fury at politicians they say are trying to hijack plans for a major golf course in Sutherland.
MSP wants to tax empty land in Moray to raise £300,000 a year for extra homes
An MSP is calling on the Scottish Government to introduce a new levy to generate more than £300,000 for housing projects in Moray.
Damning figures reveal electric car charges in Moray go unused for months at a time
The use of electric cars remains mixed across the north and north-east - with some charging points booming but others barely used for months at a time.
Moray MP attacked on comments about gypsy travellers
A north MP has come under fire for calling for tougher enforcement against the travelling community if he was to be made prime minister for a day.
Campaigners aim to raise awareness of Moray nuclear flights at meeting
Anti-nuclear campaigners will meet in Moray to press for alternatives to transporting radioactive waste through the region.
Highland MSP calls on sleeper boss to follow public sector’s lead in firearms ban
A Highland politician has hit out at a train company boss for allowing licenced firearms to be carried on the famous Caledonian Sleeper.
John Finnie: Challenging the status quo
On May 4, the Scottish Green Party will be fielding more local candidates across the Highlands and Islands than ever before.
John Finnie: Time to dust off the Green Yes banners
On the eve of the Scottish Green Party conference, Highland and Islands MSP John Finnie spells out why members are getting ready for a fresh campaign to secure independence for Scotland. In 2014 the Scottish Green Party campaigned under our distinctive "Green Yes" banner for a better Scotland, an independent Scotland.
Judges refuse legal challenge to Alistair Carmichael’s election
Former Scottish secretary Alistair Carmichael insisted last night he had been the victim of a "politically motivated" campaign after judges dismissed a legal challenge to his election.
A9 Safety Group confident that data will “vindicate” A9 speed cameras
Transport chiefs claim Statistics will "vindicate" the decision to introduce average-speed cameras to the A9.
MSPs demand answers over armed police
MSPs have demanded to know whether a decision to give guns to police on routine patrol was publicly endorsed prior to its roll-out across Scotland.
MacAskill insists armed cops necessary
Only a small percentage of police officers are armed in Scotland but their presence is necessary to respond to the threat of mass shootings, a SNP minister has insisted.
MSPs launch investigation into use of armed police
An influential Holyrood committee has launched an investigation into why armed police officers are patrolling the Highlands.