John Erskine
@johnrerskine.bsky.social
Highlander. Senior Parliamentary Advisor. Former Scottish Labour spokesperson for Energy, Connectivity & the Islands.
Follow my socials: https://linktr.ee/johnerskine
Follow my socials: https://linktr.ee/johnerskine
ICYMI - wages are going up with Labour 🌹
November 27, 2025 at 7:28 AM
ICYMI - wages are going up with Labour 🌹
The Shetland Islands Council CEO is set for a £165,755 salary – a £30k+ rise – while local staff received just 4%.
Services are already stretched.
The STUC is right: it looks like one rule for bosses, another for everyone else.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment below. 💬
Services are already stretched.
The STUC is right: it looks like one rule for bosses, another for everyone else.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment below. 💬
November 25, 2025 at 12:04 PM
The Shetland Islands Council CEO is set for a £165,755 salary – a £30k+ rise – while local staff received just 4%.
Services are already stretched.
The STUC is right: it looks like one rule for bosses, another for everyone else.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment below. 💬
Services are already stretched.
The STUC is right: it looks like one rule for bosses, another for everyone else.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment below. 💬
At Dynamic Earth for Scottish Labour’s Policy Conference. After two decades of SNP failure, Scotland needs a new direction.
In May, the choice is clear: a third decade of John Swinney and the SNP, or a Scottish Labour government that believes in Scotland’s potential.
In May, the choice is clear: a third decade of John Swinney and the SNP, or a Scottish Labour government that believes in Scotland’s potential.
November 22, 2025 at 6:10 PM
At Dynamic Earth for Scottish Labour’s Policy Conference. After two decades of SNP failure, Scotland needs a new direction.
In May, the choice is clear: a third decade of John Swinney and the SNP, or a Scottish Labour government that believes in Scotland’s potential.
In May, the choice is clear: a third decade of John Swinney and the SNP, or a Scottish Labour government that believes in Scotland’s potential.
Strong speech from Anas Sarwar today.
Scottish Labour setting out real change:
🚑 Mental Health Emergency Response Service
👷 Apprenticeship Guarantee — 9,000 new places
👮 Restoring community policing with officers back on the frontline
Scotland can’t afford another decade of SNP failure.
Scottish Labour setting out real change:
🚑 Mental Health Emergency Response Service
👷 Apprenticeship Guarantee — 9,000 new places
👮 Restoring community policing with officers back on the frontline
Scotland can’t afford another decade of SNP failure.
November 22, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Strong speech from Anas Sarwar today.
Scottish Labour setting out real change:
🚑 Mental Health Emergency Response Service
👷 Apprenticeship Guarantee — 9,000 new places
👮 Restoring community policing with officers back on the frontline
Scotland can’t afford another decade of SNP failure.
Scottish Labour setting out real change:
🚑 Mental Health Emergency Response Service
👷 Apprenticeship Guarantee — 9,000 new places
👮 Restoring community policing with officers back on the frontline
Scotland can’t afford another decade of SNP failure.
Getting to some of Scotland and the UK's major gigs and sporting events across is expensive enough when you are travelling from the Highlands and Islands.
Labour is making it illegal to resell tickets for live events above the original cost.
Labour is making it illegal to resell tickets for live events above the original cost.
November 21, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Getting to some of Scotland and the UK's major gigs and sporting events across is expensive enough when you are travelling from the Highlands and Islands.
Labour is making it illegal to resell tickets for live events above the original cost.
Labour is making it illegal to resell tickets for live events above the original cost.
Back in Shetland this week. Pushing to get ferries, transport, housing, energy costs, NHS access and the cost of living firmly into Scottish Labour’s manifesto. Our region can’t be an afterthought, Scottish Labour will act where the SNP won’t.
November 19, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Back in Shetland this week. Pushing to get ferries, transport, housing, energy costs, NHS access and the cost of living firmly into Scottish Labour’s manifesto. Our region can’t be an afterthought, Scottish Labour will act where the SNP won’t.
We’re delivering for the Highlands and Islands. But there’s lots more to do.🌹
November 18, 2025 at 6:45 PM
We’re delivering for the Highlands and Islands. But there’s lots more to do.🌹
Dropped into Aa’ Fired Up after canvassing for a quick sugar boost, the chocolate orange and Irish cream fudge is unreal.
Great to see the studio packed with families getting stuck into Christmas plates, baubles and more. A brilliant Lerwick business well worth supporting.
Great to see the studio packed with families getting stuck into Christmas plates, baubles and more. A brilliant Lerwick business well worth supporting.
November 17, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Dropped into Aa’ Fired Up after canvassing for a quick sugar boost, the chocolate orange and Irish cream fudge is unreal.
Great to see the studio packed with families getting stuck into Christmas plates, baubles and more. A brilliant Lerwick business well worth supporting.
Great to see the studio packed with families getting stuck into Christmas plates, baubles and more. A brilliant Lerwick business well worth supporting.
This must be the last winter the SNP runs our NHS. In Shetland and the Highlands & Islands, long waits, staff shortages and long trips for care are now the norm.
It’s not staff failing - it’s the SNP.
In May we can change it. Get involved with @scottishlabour.bsky.social:
events.labour.org.uk
It’s not staff failing - it’s the SNP.
In May we can change it. Get involved with @scottishlabour.bsky.social:
events.labour.org.uk
November 15, 2025 at 5:10 PM
This must be the last winter the SNP runs our NHS. In Shetland and the Highlands & Islands, long waits, staff shortages and long trips for care are now the norm.
It’s not staff failing - it’s the SNP.
In May we can change it. Get involved with @scottishlabour.bsky.social:
events.labour.org.uk
It’s not staff failing - it’s the SNP.
In May we can change it. Get involved with @scottishlabour.bsky.social:
events.labour.org.uk
Thanks to the Shetland Scottish Labour members who came along to my candidate drop-in meeting today in #Lerwick! Really looking forward to campaigning with you as we head towards the Scottish Parliament elections next May! 🌹
November 15, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Thanks to the Shetland Scottish Labour members who came along to my candidate drop-in meeting today in #Lerwick! Really looking forward to campaigning with you as we head towards the Scottish Parliament elections next May! 🌹
Out on the doors in #Lerwick today speaking to folk about ferries, NHS services and local priorities.
The conversations at the doorstep show just how much change is needed with Scottish Labour.
I'll be knocking right through to May, if I miss you, you can reach me anytime via my socials.🌹
The conversations at the doorstep show just how much change is needed with Scottish Labour.
I'll be knocking right through to May, if I miss you, you can reach me anytime via my socials.🌹
November 15, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Out on the doors in #Lerwick today speaking to folk about ferries, NHS services and local priorities.
The conversations at the doorstep show just how much change is needed with Scottish Labour.
I'll be knocking right through to May, if I miss you, you can reach me anytime via my socials.🌹
The conversations at the doorstep show just how much change is needed with Scottish Labour.
I'll be knocking right through to May, if I miss you, you can reach me anytime via my socials.🌹
Starting the day off right with a flat white from the Peerie Shop Cafe in Lerwick before campaigning and meetings! ☕️🌹
November 15, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Starting the day off right with a flat white from the Peerie Shop Cafe in Lerwick before campaigning and meetings! ☕️🌹
Today, we honour all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Now and always, we will remember them.
Now and always, we will remember them.
November 9, 2025 at 7:13 AM
Today, we honour all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Now and always, we will remember them.
Now and always, we will remember them.
Great day at the Highlands and Islands Scottish Labour Conference in Inverness.
Proud to represent Shetland CLP and be part of such a strong turnout of members & activists, all focused on delivering a Labour Government and Anas Sarwar as First Minister next May.
Good discussions!🌹
Proud to represent Shetland CLP and be part of such a strong turnout of members & activists, all focused on delivering a Labour Government and Anas Sarwar as First Minister next May.
Good discussions!🌹
November 1, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Great day at the Highlands and Islands Scottish Labour Conference in Inverness.
Proud to represent Shetland CLP and be part of such a strong turnout of members & activists, all focused on delivering a Labour Government and Anas Sarwar as First Minister next May.
Good discussions!🌹
Proud to represent Shetland CLP and be part of such a strong turnout of members & activists, all focused on delivering a Labour Government and Anas Sarwar as First Minister next May.
Good discussions!🌹
🚨The Highlands and Islands are being left behind by the SNP.
The ferry fiasco. Broken A9 promises. Vital NHS and public services being cut.
Holyrood feels further away than ever.
This weekend, I’m asking candidates to back my Highlands & Islands Pledge to put the region first, always.
The ferry fiasco. Broken A9 promises. Vital NHS and public services being cut.
Holyrood feels further away than ever.
This weekend, I’m asking candidates to back my Highlands & Islands Pledge to put the region first, always.
October 30, 2025 at 6:06 PM
🚨The Highlands and Islands are being left behind by the SNP.
The ferry fiasco. Broken A9 promises. Vital NHS and public services being cut.
Holyrood feels further away than ever.
This weekend, I’m asking candidates to back my Highlands & Islands Pledge to put the region first, always.
The ferry fiasco. Broken A9 promises. Vital NHS and public services being cut.
Holyrood feels further away than ever.
This weekend, I’m asking candidates to back my Highlands & Islands Pledge to put the region first, always.
Looking forward to speaking at tonight’s Highlands & Islands @coopparty.party.coop meeting with @rhodagrant.bsky.social.
Trade unions fight for power where we work. The co-op movement fights for power where we live.
Proud to stand as a Labour & Co-operative candidate next year. 🌹🤝
Trade unions fight for power where we work. The co-op movement fights for power where we live.
Proud to stand as a Labour & Co-operative candidate next year. 🌹🤝
October 27, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Looking forward to speaking at tonight’s Highlands & Islands @coopparty.party.coop meeting with @rhodagrant.bsky.social.
Trade unions fight for power where we work. The co-op movement fights for power where we live.
Proud to stand as a Labour & Co-operative candidate next year. 🌹🤝
Trade unions fight for power where we work. The co-op movement fights for power where we live.
Proud to stand as a Labour & Co-operative candidate next year. 🌹🤝
Out in Stirling East this afternoon with @chriskanemp.bsky.social and
@drkaindemanji.bsky.social, backing Yvonne Dickson ahead of next week's by-election.
The @stirlinglabour.bsky.socialCouncil is working hard to protect local services despite swinging SNP Gov cuts.
All the best for next week!🌹
@drkaindemanji.bsky.social, backing Yvonne Dickson ahead of next week's by-election.
The @stirlinglabour.bsky.socialCouncil is working hard to protect local services despite swinging SNP Gov cuts.
All the best for next week!🌹
October 24, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Out in Stirling East this afternoon with @chriskanemp.bsky.social and
@drkaindemanji.bsky.social, backing Yvonne Dickson ahead of next week's by-election.
The @stirlinglabour.bsky.socialCouncil is working hard to protect local services despite swinging SNP Gov cuts.
All the best for next week!🌹
@drkaindemanji.bsky.social, backing Yvonne Dickson ahead of next week's by-election.
The @stirlinglabour.bsky.socialCouncil is working hard to protect local services despite swinging SNP Gov cuts.
All the best for next week!🌹
Shetland’s tourist office should never have been closed. At a time of record visitor numbers, we should be backing our islands, not holding them back.
Tourism means jobs, local pride and stronger communities.
Scottish Labour will always back Shetland and the Highlands and Island to succeed.
Tourism means jobs, local pride and stronger communities.
Scottish Labour will always back Shetland and the Highlands and Island to succeed.
October 14, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Shetland’s tourist office should never have been closed. At a time of record visitor numbers, we should be backing our islands, not holding them back.
Tourism means jobs, local pride and stronger communities.
Scottish Labour will always back Shetland and the Highlands and Island to succeed.
Tourism means jobs, local pride and stronger communities.
Scottish Labour will always back Shetland and the Highlands and Island to succeed.
Scottish Labour MPs, MSPs and candidates met today with the Palestinian Ambassador Husam Zomlot.
We welcome the ceasefire in Gaza, the end of bloodshed and the planned release of hostages.
It must last, backed by urgent aid, a real path to peace and an end to occupation.
We welcome the ceasefire in Gaza, the end of bloodshed and the planned release of hostages.
It must last, backed by urgent aid, a real path to peace and an end to occupation.
October 12, 2025 at 7:46 AM
Scottish Labour MPs, MSPs and candidates met today with the Palestinian Ambassador Husam Zomlot.
We welcome the ceasefire in Gaza, the end of bloodshed and the planned release of hostages.
It must last, backed by urgent aid, a real path to peace and an end to occupation.
We welcome the ceasefire in Gaza, the end of bloodshed and the planned release of hostages.
It must last, backed by urgent aid, a real path to peace and an end to occupation.
🗞️ Thank you to the Shetland Times for covering my call for a dedicated Digital Connectivity Plan for the Highlands and Islands.
Too many island homes & businesses still lack decent broadband, we need action, not delay. I’ll keep pushing the SNP Govt to deliver.
Too many island homes & businesses still lack decent broadband, we need action, not delay. I’ll keep pushing the SNP Govt to deliver.
October 11, 2025 at 9:49 AM
🗞️ Thank you to the Shetland Times for covering my call for a dedicated Digital Connectivity Plan for the Highlands and Islands.
Too many island homes & businesses still lack decent broadband, we need action, not delay. I’ll keep pushing the SNP Govt to deliver.
Too many island homes & businesses still lack decent broadband, we need action, not delay. I’ll keep pushing the SNP Govt to deliver.
The deputy leadership election is a choice.
I've backed Bridget Phillipson to help end child poverty and to avoid going back towards our divided past. 🌹
🗳️#BackingBridget
I've backed Bridget Phillipson to help end child poverty and to avoid going back towards our divided past. 🌹
🗳️#BackingBridget
October 10, 2025 at 10:48 AM
The deputy leadership election is a choice.
I've backed Bridget Phillipson to help end child poverty and to avoid going back towards our divided past. 🌹
🗳️#BackingBridget
I've backed Bridget Phillipson to help end child poverty and to avoid going back towards our divided past. 🌹
🗳️#BackingBridget
A bit south of Shetland today, down in Ayr supporting John Duncan for Ayr North for the by-election next Thursday.🌹
John’s fighting to put an end to the chaos, scandal and waste from South Ayrshire Council.
Wishing him success next Thursday! 🗳️
John’s fighting to put an end to the chaos, scandal and waste from South Ayrshire Council.
Wishing him success next Thursday! 🗳️
October 9, 2025 at 5:46 PM
A bit south of Shetland today, down in Ayr supporting John Duncan for Ayr North for the by-election next Thursday.🌹
John’s fighting to put an end to the chaos, scandal and waste from South Ayrshire Council.
Wishing him success next Thursday! 🗳️
John’s fighting to put an end to the chaos, scandal and waste from South Ayrshire Council.
Wishing him success next Thursday! 🗳️
I understand why some people are wary about Digital ID, it’s right to ask tough questions about privacy and security.
But for places like Shetland and the Highlands & Islands, a secure, free digital ID could actually make everyday life simpler, safer and fairer. 🧵
But for places like Shetland and the Highlands & Islands, a secure, free digital ID could actually make everyday life simpler, safer and fairer. 🧵
October 8, 2025 at 8:34 AM
I understand why some people are wary about Digital ID, it’s right to ask tough questions about privacy and security.
But for places like Shetland and the Highlands & Islands, a secure, free digital ID could actually make everyday life simpler, safer and fairer. 🧵
But for places like Shetland and the Highlands & Islands, a secure, free digital ID could actually make everyday life simpler, safer and fairer. 🧵
⚡£183,705 for Shetland's Fair Isle renewable grid project!
Thanks to the UK Labour Government and Great British Energy, Fair Isle will see stronger, cleaner, more reliable energy for local people.
Part of a £4m package for community renewables across Scotland.
Change is here.👇
Thanks to the UK Labour Government and Great British Energy, Fair Isle will see stronger, cleaner, more reliable energy for local people.
Part of a £4m package for community renewables across Scotland.
Change is here.👇
October 2, 2025 at 4:08 PM
⚡£183,705 for Shetland's Fair Isle renewable grid project!
Thanks to the UK Labour Government and Great British Energy, Fair Isle will see stronger, cleaner, more reliable energy for local people.
Part of a £4m package for community renewables across Scotland.
Change is here.👇
Thanks to the UK Labour Government and Great British Energy, Fair Isle will see stronger, cleaner, more reliable energy for local people.
Part of a £4m package for community renewables across Scotland.
Change is here.👇
Brilliant to hear Shetland name-checked by the PM today in his @teamlabouruk.bsky.social conference speech!
Labour’s mission is renewal - fixing our broken NHS, growing our economy, rising wages and a plan to unite our four nations for the future.
Renew Britain.
Labour’s mission is renewal - fixing our broken NHS, growing our economy, rising wages and a plan to unite our four nations for the future.
Renew Britain.
September 30, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Brilliant to hear Shetland name-checked by the PM today in his @teamlabouruk.bsky.social conference speech!
Labour’s mission is renewal - fixing our broken NHS, growing our economy, rising wages and a plan to unite our four nations for the future.
Renew Britain.
Labour’s mission is renewal - fixing our broken NHS, growing our economy, rising wages and a plan to unite our four nations for the future.
Renew Britain.