I always enjoy visiting the Black Isle. I never represented it in the past, so it is a pleasure to do so now!

My upcoming surgeries in April🌼 Do come along and chat to me, no appointment necessary!

Dounreay’s legacy has created the infrastructure and expertise needed for advanced work and this must include contributions to fusion-related science. I'm glad the Government agrees. The SNP certainly won't be of any help.

It was a pleasure to join the NFU to discuss production standards in the UK. British farmers produce food to some of the highest environmental and animal welfare standards in the world - standards that British people value and trust. I'm committed to protecting these standards.

A Russian spy ship and a submarine were spotted last year in the North Sea. This was no goodwill visit. I’ve requested a ministerial meeting and welcome cross-party support in protecting the North Sea as a vital strategic asset to our national security. news.stv.tv/highlands-is...

I lost a tyre on a pothole last week. The state of Highland roads is going untreated. The SNP may think the problems is rather out-of-sight out-of-mind, but when you’re left waiting for hours at the side of the road the issue is both obvious and urgent. thehighlandtimes.com/stone-calls-...

Dropped in to speak to Chivas Brothers about the global trading environment and the latest Scotch Whisky Association's export figures. Over a wee glass of Irish Jameson to mark the day 🍀

At uni, I met a beautiful girl who came from the Emerald Isle. I tried to charm her, but thought I’d stupidly blown my shot. I may not have given it a second thought, but for the fact that one day I married that very same girl. Happy St Patrick's Day!🍀 leftfootforward.org/2026/03/the-...

I'm delighted that Margaret MacGill is finally back home in Wick. However, no one should be left languishing in hospital. The Scottish Government have chronically underfunded healthcare in the Far North, and left Highlanders to suffer the consequences. www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/news/wick-wo...

I've written to the UK Government expressing my concern regarding the sharp increase in heating oil prices, driven by the ongoing conflict in Iran. My Lib Dem colleagues and I have made it clear that rural communities need immediate and sustained support.

Thurso Community Development Trust are hosting Confidence Kickstart workshops to build confidence, skills & local connections for those starting or returning to work. For more info: [email protected] | 01847 867310

Today I'm celebrating @worldbookdayuk.bsky.social and the National Year of Reading! Reading is so important for children and it did an awful lot for my education when I was a wee boy. I want to see every child enjoy the life-changing benefits of reading for fun.

Only 23% of Scots now oppose new nuclear power stations being built in Scotland. We need nuclear energy. Amidst surging war beyond our borders, the SNP would do well to place the national energy security of our country before their separatist agenda. www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/news/far-nor...

I'm slightly amused by this rather too late-in-the-day support. Unfortunately, as Chair of the Petitions Committee, I cannot put my name to a specific petition. Nevertheless, I have done my utmost to campaign on this issue and will continue to do so. www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/news/maree-t...

Delighted to join the NIA for their Women in Nuclear Parliamentary Event. Women play a vital role in the civil nuclear sector - particularly within an industry that has historically been male-dominated. Proud to work with them to address the industry's gender balance.

I met with the Economic Secretary to discuss updating the Financial Services and Markets Act. Improvements to existing banking hubs is one thing. However, banks still need to fulfil their duty of service when it comes to preserving face-to-face banking. www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/news/highlan...

Rainy day in Dornoch ☔️

I'm relieved to learn that the Prime Minister has persuaded China to cut tariffs from 10% to 5% for the Scotch Whisky industry - worth £250 million over the next 5 years. Scrutiny in politics is necessary - but when you get something you asked for, gratitude never goes amiss.

I am saddened to hear of the untimely death of Jim Wallace. I knew him well, and amongst his many sterling qualities, there were two that shone forth - his kindness and loyalty. He will be deeply missed.

📢Change of date to February surgery📢 My Muir of Ord surgery will now be held on 16th February, as opposed to the 13th February. Apologies for any confusion.

Before the Prime Minister left for China, I wrote to remind him that a favourable trade deal for the Scotch Whisky industry is in our whole country's interest. There is a huge opportunity in a vast market that we shouldn't miss. www.northern-times.co.uk/news/mp-ston...

Today is #HolocaustMemorialDay I was proud to sign the Book of Commitment, honouring those murdered. I thought of my cousin - a Red Cross nurse who entered Bergen-Belsen in 1945 and witnessed the horrors. We must recommit to building a brighter future all over the world.

The UK Government have shown that they are ready to support clean energy and skilled work across the UK. However, the SNP are intent on leaving us behind by blocking all proposals for new nuclear energy in Scotland. They are simply refusing investment and wasting money.

This announcement is extremely disappointing. I'm meeting with Diageo next week to discuss what led to the closure and what I can do in Westminster that could change these circumstances in such a way that they could consider re-opening the centre. www.northern-times.co.uk/news/stone-t...

My upcoming surgeries for February ⬇️ No appointment necessary. If you can't make the following dates and need to speak to me urgently then please do email my team at [email protected]

It was a pleasure to visit the nuclear skills and apprenticeships fair in Parliament this afternoon. There I met Lewis and Kyle, who are both working at Dounreay. This goes to show the immense employment benefits nuclear energy presents for future generations to come.

Since filming began in 2022, #TheTraitorsUK has contributed an estimated £21.8 million to the Scottish economy, as well as supporting 750 jobs across Scotland. I want to see the Government further support the vast potential the Highlands has as a filming location.

I am pleased that the Minister has agreed to look seriously at my request for the Government to convene a COBRA meeting. It is appalling and dangerous that my constituents in Caithness have been subjected to this level of risk. t.co/ZthIpG8Aoy

During the recent storm, Caithness was completely cut off - with no road or rail access to Raigmore in Inverness, despite local efforts. I've asked the UK Government to convene a COBRA meeting to discuss why the Scottish Government were so ill-prepared for a situation like this.

✈️ Tickets now on sale! Wick–Aberdeen flights with Air Charter Scotland are open for booking. Fares from £74.99. Service starts 14 Jan 2026 Operating Mon–Fri & Sun. More info here - www.highland.gov.uk/news/article... Book now 👉 aircharterscotland.com

Upcoming January surgeries ⬇️ Myself and my team are monitoring the current amber weather warning and we will keep you updated on any changes to this Friday's appointments.

A very happy New Year to you all! Our white Christmas has arrived a little late, but still in full force ❄️ Better get the thermals out...

2025 is coming to a close, and I was recently reminded of my first trip to London. As a wee boy, trundling from the Highlands in the back of a borrowed Morris Minor... parliamentnews.co.uk/end-of-term-...

It was lovely to meet John Henderson in Wick's Mackays Hotel. Back in the day, his mum was such a help to my mum in raising money for breast scanning in the Far North. Conlan Thomson is a darned good waiter too!

Farmers are the backbone of our economy. They are intrinsic to our security and self-sufficiency. The Government needs to scrap this unfair tax in full. If they refuse, the Lib Dems will submit amendments in the new year to bring it down. www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/news/far-nor...

I’m delighted the UK Government have chosen to support communities in Sutherland. After years of SNP centralisation, it is a welcome change to have investment in the Highlands beyond Inverness. www.northern-times.co.uk/news/communi...

Seasonal workers are invaluable to many sectors, from hospitality to farming. The Government must ensure that businesses relying on seasonal work are properly consulted when new regulations are drawn up in order to balance employee security with the need for flexibility.

I cannot support a mandatory digital ID – it should be an individual’s right to choose. Those who are elderly, on low incomes and living without internet access have a greater risk of becoming digitally excluded. I cannot condone isolating them further. www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/news/jamie-s...

A huge pleasure to visit Lairg Learning Centre today to hear about preparations for their winterfest tomorrow. Anyone passing Lairg - drop in - you will not be disappointed!

Pleased to meet with members of the Lairg Primary School Parent Council today at my Lairg Clinic. Sorry to hear that the children here have lost a number of days of school due to long-running issues with the heating system. I've raised this directly with the Council Executive.

Last week, I took a trip to Scoraig - a remote peninsula on the north-west coast of my constituency. With around 80 residents living off-grid, their strong sense of community made it a truly memorable trip!

It's that time of the year... #stonewrapped2025

Remote communities, like Scoraig, simply need adequate transport and health services. This would require very little of the money given to the Scottish Government from the Budget. Instead, the SNP are spending this money unfairly and excessively in areas of the central belt.

Delighted to visit Tesco in Wick to support their Winter Food Collection. A chance to donate items from your regular shop, or a pre-filled donation bag - which are then distributed across Caithness foodbanks. A great initiative to support the most vulnerable in our communities.

My thoughts on the budget:

The budget made it clear that Highland communities are not being prioritised. We have a UK Government who are reluctant to fully utilise their power to provide targeted funding to Scottish communities, and a Scottish Government that are misusing theirs. www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/news/north-o...

My upcoming surgeries for December ❄️

Today is Carers Rights Day. Every day, 12,000 people become unpaid carers and are often unaware of the support and benefits they're eligible for. As a carer myself, I understand the importance. Know your rights, use your rights. carersuk.org/news-and-cam...

Today is Carers Rights Day. Every day, 12,000 people become unpaid carers and are often unaware of the support and benefits they're eligible for. As a carer myself, I understand the importance. Know your rights, use your rights. carersuk.org/news-and-cam...