Liam Scott McArthur Liberal Democrats
MSP for Orkney Islands since 2007. Deputy Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament since 2021. Introduced the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill in 2024.
Policy Positions
Scotland's Future
Oppose independence. Support a federal UK with stronger Scottish devolution. Want a reformed union rather than separation.
NHS & Health
Mental health specialists in every GP surgery. £500m care rescue package. Rolling 10-year NHS workforce plan to end staffing crisis.
Housing
Build affordable housing while protecting greenbelt. Balance development needs with environmental quality of communities.
Climate & Transport
Net zero by 2045. New national parks to protect nature. Sewage transparency reform. Decarbonise rail and expand public transport.
Tax & Public Spending
Maintain current Scottish income tax rates. Increase personal allowances so low earners pay less.
Economy & Jobs
Support small and medium-sized businesses. Track record of negotiating budget concessions (e.g., £178m business rates relief). Pragmatic centrist economics.
Education & Childcare
Mental health counsellor in every school. Expand play-based learning in early years. Education recovery plan post-pandemic.
Social Issues
Liberal approach to individual rights. Moderate progressive position. Support for LGBT+ protections within a rights-based framework.
Track Record
› MSP for Orkney since 2007; Deputy Presiding Officer since 2021
› Introduced the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill (2024)
› Former special adviser to Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace