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
One week left. Time is running out. ⏰
Ballots close at 12 noon on Thursday 19 February, and this is the moment every vote counts most.
If you haven’t voted yet, please use your #1 vote for John Erskine today. 🗳️
Your support can make the difference.
Ballots close at 12 noon on Thursday 19 February, and this is the moment every vote counts most.
If you haven’t voted yet, please use your #1 vote for John Erskine today. 🗳️
Your support can make the difference.
February 12, 2026 at 12:19 PM
One week left. Time is running out. ⏰
Ballots close at 12 noon on Thursday 19 February, and this is the moment every vote counts most.
If you haven’t voted yet, please use your #1 vote for John Erskine today. 🗳️
Your support can make the difference.
Ballots close at 12 noon on Thursday 19 February, and this is the moment every vote counts most.
If you haven’t voted yet, please use your #1 vote for John Erskine today. 🗳️
Your support can make the difference.
🏡What is community energy and why does it matter to our area?
Community-owned energy projects such as rooftop solar, onshore wind and hydropower are already making a big difference across the country.
Community-owned energy projects such as rooftop solar, onshore wind and hydropower are already making a big difference across the country.
February 11, 2026 at 9:44 AM
🏡What is community energy and why does it matter to our area?
Community-owned energy projects such as rooftop solar, onshore wind and hydropower are already making a big difference across the country.
Community-owned energy projects such as rooftop solar, onshore wind and hydropower are already making a big difference across the country.
In three months we can deliver a better future for Scotland with Anas Sarwar and Scottish Labour.🌹
February 9, 2026 at 11:18 AM
In three months we can deliver a better future for Scotland with Anas Sarwar and Scottish Labour.🌹
⏳ Under two weeks to go.
The ballot for list selections closes in two weeks’ time – at midday.
If you’re backing my pitch for a strong Labour voice, I’d be grateful for your #1 first-preference vote for John Erskine today.
The ballot for list selections closes in two weeks’ time – at midday.
If you’re backing my pitch for a strong Labour voice, I’d be grateful for your #1 first-preference vote for John Erskine today.
February 5, 2026 at 3:32 PM
⏳ Under two weeks to go.
The ballot for list selections closes in two weeks’ time – at midday.
If you’re backing my pitch for a strong Labour voice, I’d be grateful for your #1 first-preference vote for John Erskine today.
The ballot for list selections closes in two weeks’ time – at midday.
If you’re backing my pitch for a strong Labour voice, I’d be grateful for your #1 first-preference vote for John Erskine today.
Took a bit of time this evening to give blood.
It’s a simple thing, but it makes a real difference - and demand is always there.
If you’re able to give, please do 👇
scotblood.co.uk 🩸
It’s a simple thing, but it makes a real difference - and demand is always there.
If you’re able to give, please do 👇
scotblood.co.uk 🩸
February 4, 2026 at 8:29 PM
Took a bit of time this evening to give blood.
It’s a simple thing, but it makes a real difference - and demand is always there.
If you’re able to give, please do 👇
scotblood.co.uk 🩸
It’s a simple thing, but it makes a real difference - and demand is always there.
If you’re able to give, please do 👇
scotblood.co.uk 🩸
It was a pleasure to work for Iain in the Scottish Parliament for a number of years. I’ve always been grateful for his support.
Please consider using your #1 preference vote in the Scottish Labour Highlands and Islands regional list selections for John Erskine for the Highlands and Islands today. 🗳️
Please consider using your #1 preference vote in the Scottish Labour Highlands and Islands regional list selections for John Erskine for the Highlands and Islands today. 🗳️
Delighted to be endorsed by former Scottish Labour Leader Iain Gray:
“I’ve known John for many years and have seen his tireless commitment to standing up for communities across the Highlands and Islands... I’m proud to endorse his candidacy and encourage members to give him their full support.”
“I’ve known John for many years and have seen his tireless commitment to standing up for communities across the Highlands and Islands... I’m proud to endorse his candidacy and encourage members to give him their full support.”
February 3, 2026 at 7:05 PM
It was a pleasure to work for Iain in the Scottish Parliament for a number of years. I’ve always been grateful for his support.
Please consider using your #1 preference vote in the Scottish Labour Highlands and Islands regional list selections for John Erskine for the Highlands and Islands today. 🗳️
Please consider using your #1 preference vote in the Scottish Labour Highlands and Islands regional list selections for John Erskine for the Highlands and Islands today. 🗳️
Haven’t received your Scottish Labour Highlands and Islands ballot yet?
If you haven’t had your ballot by Thursday 5 February, you can request a re-issue.
If you haven’t had your ballot by Thursday 5 February, you can request a re-issue.
February 3, 2026 at 8:59 AM
Haven’t received your Scottish Labour Highlands and Islands ballot yet?
If you haven’t had your ballot by Thursday 5 February, you can request a re-issue.
If you haven’t had your ballot by Thursday 5 February, you can request a re-issue.
Highlands and Islands @scottishlabour.bsky.social members.
Ballots should have arrived in your inbox now.
Don’t delay - please use your first preference vote and mark John Erskine #1 on the list today.
If you have any questions, get in touch: john@johnerskine.net
Ballots should have arrived in your inbox now.
Don’t delay - please use your first preference vote and mark John Erskine #1 on the list today.
If you have any questions, get in touch: john@johnerskine.net
February 1, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Highlands and Islands @scottishlabour.bsky.social members.
Ballots should have arrived in your inbox now.
Don’t delay - please use your first preference vote and mark John Erskine #1 on the list today.
If you have any questions, get in touch: john@johnerskine.net
Ballots should have arrived in your inbox now.
Don’t delay - please use your first preference vote and mark John Erskine #1 on the list today.
If you have any questions, get in touch: john@johnerskine.net
This week’s agreement with China shows why Britain must face outwards again.
Progress on reducing whisky tariffs is good news for Scotland’s whisky industry - and for the Highlands and Islands communities where so many distilleries, jobs and supply chains are based.
Progress on reducing whisky tariffs is good news for Scotland’s whisky industry - and for the Highlands and Islands communities where so many distilleries, jobs and supply chains are based.
January 31, 2026 at 12:54 PM
This week’s agreement with China shows why Britain must face outwards again.
Progress on reducing whisky tariffs is good news for Scotland’s whisky industry - and for the Highlands and Islands communities where so many distilleries, jobs and supply chains are based.
Progress on reducing whisky tariffs is good news for Scotland’s whisky industry - and for the Highlands and Islands communities where so many distilleries, jobs and supply chains are based.
Ballots are landing in inboxes now for the
@scottishlabour.bsky.social Highlands and Islands regional list.
Please consider voting John Erskine #1 on the Highlands and Islands list today. 🗳️
@scottishlabour.bsky.social Highlands and Islands regional list.
Please consider voting John Erskine #1 on the Highlands and Islands list today. 🗳️
January 31, 2026 at 9:42 AM
Ballots are landing in inboxes now for the
@scottishlabour.bsky.social Highlands and Islands regional list.
Please consider voting John Erskine #1 on the Highlands and Islands list today. 🗳️
@scottishlabour.bsky.social Highlands and Islands regional list.
Please consider voting John Erskine #1 on the Highlands and Islands list today. 🗳️
Ballots are landing for the @scottishlabour.bsky.social Highlands and Islands regional list selections today.🗳️
I’m asking for your first preference #1 vote on the list to be a strong voice for our communities, our jobs, and the industries we rely on.
I’m asking for your first preference #1 vote on the list to be a strong voice for our communities, our jobs, and the industries we rely on.
January 30, 2026 at 6:14 PM
Ballots are landing for the @scottishlabour.bsky.social Highlands and Islands regional list selections today.🗳️
I’m asking for your first preference #1 vote on the list to be a strong voice for our communities, our jobs, and the industries we rely on.
I’m asking for your first preference #1 vote on the list to be a strong voice for our communities, our jobs, and the industries we rely on.
Eighteen years on, the SNP still can’t get a grip of housing.
Homelessness up, housebuilding down - and now a new Central Belt quango is the answer?
The Highlands and Islands needs homes built locally, not power pulled further away from communities.
x.com/johnerskine/...
Homelessness up, housebuilding down - and now a new Central Belt quango is the answer?
The Highlands and Islands needs homes built locally, not power pulled further away from communities.
x.com/johnerskine/...
John Erskine on X: "Eighteen years on, the SNP still can’t get a grip of housing. Homelessness up, housebuilding down - and now a new Central Belt quango is the answer? The Highlands and Islands needs homes built locally, not power pulled further away from communities. https://t.co/Y4hUuE3lx1" / X
Eighteen years on, the SNP still can’t get a grip of housing. Homelessness up, housebuilding down - and now a new Central Belt quango is the answer? The Highlands and Islands needs homes built locally, not power pulled further away from communities. https://t.co/Y4hUuE3lx1
x.com
January 30, 2026 at 11:45 AM
Eighteen years on, the SNP still can’t get a grip of housing.
Homelessness up, housebuilding down - and now a new Central Belt quango is the answer?
The Highlands and Islands needs homes built locally, not power pulled further away from communities.
x.com/johnerskine/...
Homelessness up, housebuilding down - and now a new Central Belt quango is the answer?
The Highlands and Islands needs homes built locally, not power pulled further away from communities.
x.com/johnerskine/...
🗳️Voting opens today for the Scottish Labour Highlands and Islands regional list.
I’m asking for your #1 first preference vote.
I’m asking for your #1 first preference vote.
January 30, 2026 at 9:08 AM
🗳️Voting opens today for the Scottish Labour Highlands and Islands regional list.
I’m asking for your #1 first preference vote.
I’m asking for your #1 first preference vote.
🗳️ Regional ballots for the Scottish Labour Highlands and Islands list will start landing in letter boxes and email inboxes from tomorrow.
Please use your first preference #1 vote for John Erskine.
Please use your first preference #1 vote for John Erskine.
January 29, 2026 at 4:37 PM
🗳️ Regional ballots for the Scottish Labour Highlands and Islands list will start landing in letter boxes and email inboxes from tomorrow.
Please use your first preference #1 vote for John Erskine.
Please use your first preference #1 vote for John Erskine.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I served as a @coopuk Member Pioneer in the Highlands - supporting local causes, bringing people together, and putting co-operative values into action when it mattered most.
January 28, 2026 at 9:49 PM
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I served as a @coopuk Member Pioneer in the Highlands - supporting local causes, bringing people together, and putting co-operative values into action when it mattered most.
100 days until the election. 🗳️
Together we can deliver a new direction for Scotland and the Highlands and Islands.
Get involved and sign up for campaign updates at www.johnerskine.net 🌹
Together we can deliver a new direction for Scotland and the Highlands and Islands.
Get involved and sign up for campaign updates at www.johnerskine.net 🌹
January 27, 2026 at 8:29 PM
100 days until the election. 🗳️
Together we can deliver a new direction for Scotland and the Highlands and Islands.
Get involved and sign up for campaign updates at www.johnerskine.net 🌹
Together we can deliver a new direction for Scotland and the Highlands and Islands.
Get involved and sign up for campaign updates at www.johnerskine.net 🌹
Over 100 incidents of violence, abuse and drug-taking on Shetland’s lifeline ferry service in just three years is deeply concerning.
Read more: www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/news/violenc...
Read more: www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/news/violenc...
‘Violence, abuse, drunkenness, drug-taking and defecation’ - more than 100 reports of shocking passenger behaviour on lifeline ferry service
The reports have led to fresh calls for islanders to have easier access to private cabins and suggestions of segregated pod lounges to protect women.
www.shetlandtimes.co.uk
January 22, 2026 at 8:03 PM
Over 100 incidents of violence, abuse and drug-taking on Shetland’s lifeline ferry service in just three years is deeply concerning.
Read more: www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/news/violenc...
Read more: www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/news/violenc...
The SNP keeps telling Shetland it would be listened to if it just had a seat at the table.
The Western Isles have had that seat - for 18 years - and the fishing industry still wasn’t listened to.
The Western Isles have had that seat - for 18 years - and the fishing industry still wasn’t listened to.
January 22, 2026 at 2:34 PM
The SNP keeps telling Shetland it would be listened to if it just had a seat at the table.
The Western Isles have had that seat - for 18 years - and the fishing industry still wasn’t listened to.
The Western Isles have had that seat - for 18 years - and the fishing industry still wasn’t listened to.
I’m taking a short period of paternity leave this week after the birth of my second son, James.
www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/news/labour-...
www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/news/labour-...
Labour candidate highlights ‘biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation’ as he takes paternity leave following birth of second son
An election candidate has announced he is taking paternity leave following the birth of his second son.
www.shetlandtimes.co.uk
January 15, 2026 at 10:44 AM
I’m taking a short period of paternity leave this week after the birth of my second son, James.
www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/news/labour-...
www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/news/labour-...
Scotland needs both renewable energy and renewable food. 🐟🔋
More in the @shetnews.co.uk
⤵️https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2026/01/08/fishing-treated-afterthought-labour-candidate/
More in the @shetnews.co.uk
⤵️https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2026/01/08/fishing-treated-afterthought-labour-candidate/
Fishing should not be treated as an afterthought – Labour candidate claims
SCOTLAND needs both renewable energy and renewable food, according to the Labour candidate for the Shetland seat in the Scottish Parliament. John Erskine was...
www.shetnews.co.uk
January 8, 2026 at 3:26 PM
Scotland needs both renewable energy and renewable food. 🐟🔋
More in the @shetnews.co.uk
⤵️https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2026/01/08/fishing-treated-afterthought-labour-candidate/
More in the @shetnews.co.uk
⤵️https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2026/01/08/fishing-treated-afterthought-labour-candidate/
No Shetland parent, pupil or teacher should feel blamed by performance reports - island schools need investment and support. After nearly 20 years of SNP government, education isn’t a priority and outcomes suffer.
www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/news/whalsay...
www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/news/whalsay...
Whalsay and four other Shetland schools defended by political hopefuls
Holyrood hopefuls have hit out at a league table that ranked Shetland schools as being among the worst in Scotland.
www.shetlandtimes.co.uk
January 7, 2026 at 2:41 PM
No Shetland parent, pupil or teacher should feel blamed by performance reports - island schools need investment and support. After nearly 20 years of SNP government, education isn’t a priority and outcomes suffer.
www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/news/whalsay...
www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/news/whalsay...
Long waits. Missed care. A system under strain.
Last year in NHS Shetland:
• 1,242 people waited over 4 hours in A&E
• 97 patients waited more than a year for treatment
• 22 young people were turned away from CAMHS
After 18 years of SNP failure, Shetland deserves better.
Last year in NHS Shetland:
• 1,242 people waited over 4 hours in A&E
• 97 patients waited more than a year for treatment
• 22 young people were turned away from CAMHS
After 18 years of SNP failure, Shetland deserves better.
January 6, 2026 at 11:03 AM
Long waits. Missed care. A system under strain.
Last year in NHS Shetland:
• 1,242 people waited over 4 hours in A&E
• 97 patients waited more than a year for treatment
• 22 young people were turned away from CAMHS
After 18 years of SNP failure, Shetland deserves better.
Last year in NHS Shetland:
• 1,242 people waited over 4 hours in A&E
• 97 patients waited more than a year for treatment
• 22 young people were turned away from CAMHS
After 18 years of SNP failure, Shetland deserves better.
John Swinney says he wants another term in office.
So let’s have the debate.
I’m calling on the First Minister and the SNP to agree to a head-to-head debate with Anas Sarwar in Shetland - and explain their dismal record directly to island communities.
So let’s have the debate.
I’m calling on the First Minister and the SNP to agree to a head-to-head debate with Anas Sarwar in Shetland - and explain their dismal record directly to island communities.
First minister challenged to head to head election debate in Shetland
A political candidate has challenged the first minister to take part in a head to head election debate in Shetland.
www.shetlandtimes.co.uk
January 5, 2026 at 3:19 PM
John Swinney says he wants another term in office.
So let’s have the debate.
I’m calling on the First Minister and the SNP to agree to a head-to-head debate with Anas Sarwar in Shetland - and explain their dismal record directly to island communities.
So let’s have the debate.
I’m calling on the First Minister and the SNP to agree to a head-to-head debate with Anas Sarwar in Shetland - and explain their dismal record directly to island communities.
What a brilliant speech from Anas Sarwar this morning in Edinburgh.
After 20 years, the SNP has had their chance and they blew it.
It’s time for a @scottishlabour.bsky.social First Minister that offers competence, hope, and a better future for our young people.
After 20 years, the SNP has had their chance and they blew it.
It’s time for a @scottishlabour.bsky.social First Minister that offers competence, hope, and a better future for our young people.
January 5, 2026 at 12:20 PM
What a brilliant speech from Anas Sarwar this morning in Edinburgh.
After 20 years, the SNP has had their chance and they blew it.
It’s time for a @scottishlabour.bsky.social First Minister that offers competence, hope, and a better future for our young people.
After 20 years, the SNP has had their chance and they blew it.
It’s time for a @scottishlabour.bsky.social First Minister that offers competence, hope, and a better future for our young people.
Reposted by John Erskine
Crime is rising and people in Shetland are feeling less safe.
After years of SNP cuts to policing and justice, the system is at breaking point.
Scottish Labour will end the soft-touch approach to justice and get police back on the frontline.
After years of SNP cuts to policing and justice, the system is at breaking point.
Scottish Labour will end the soft-touch approach to justice and get police back on the frontline.
January 4, 2026 at 1:07 PM
Crime is rising and people in Shetland are feeling less safe.
After years of SNP cuts to policing and justice, the system is at breaking point.
Scottish Labour will end the soft-touch approach to justice and get police back on the frontline.
After years of SNP cuts to policing and justice, the system is at breaking point.
Scottish Labour will end the soft-touch approach to justice and get police back on the frontline.