MSP for Orkney Islands (Constituency)
Email: [email protected]
Website: liammcarthur.org.uk
Facebook: Liam McArthur's facebook
The Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP
Phone: 01856 876541
Text relay calls welcome.
14 Palace Road
Kirkwall
Orkney Islands
KW15 1PA
Phone: 01856 876541
Text relay calls welcome.
Find out when the MSP's surgery times are on their website.
Scottish Liberal Democrats
MSP for Orkney Islands (Constituency)
05 May 2011 to present
Scottish Liberal Democrats
Former MSP for Orkney (Constituency)
03 May 2007 to 22 Mar 2011
Member
Convener
Convener
Appointed Member
Scottish Liberal Democrats
Previous roles in cross-party groups are not included in this list.
14 May 2021 to 14 May 2026
Scottish Parliament
06 May 2021 to 08 April 2026
Scottish Liberal Democrats
27 August 2021 to 08 April 2026
Scottish Liberal Democrats
01 February 2023 to 08 April 2026
Substitute Member
29 September 2021 to 08 April 2026
Convener
06 October 2021 to 01 February 2023
Substitute Member
18 November 2020 to 14 September 2021
Member
06 May 2021 to 27 August 2021
Scottish Liberal Democrats
22 June 2021 to 26 August 2021
Deputy Convener
17 June 2021 to 22 June 2021
Member
19 May 2016 to 20 May 2021
Appointed Member
29 May 2016 to 04 May 2021
Scottish Liberal Democrats
29 May 2016 to 04 May 2021
Scottish Liberal Democrats
08 June 2016 to 04 May 2021
Member
08 November 2016 to 04 May 2021
Substitute Member
06 October 2016 to 04 May 2021
Member
29 August 2017 to 04 May 2021
Member
25 May 2011 to 19 May 2016
Appointed Member
20 May 2011 to 23 March 2016
Scottish Liberal Democrats
20 May 2011 to 23 March 2016
Scottish Liberal Democrats
23 June 2011 to 23 March 2016
Substitute Member
01 June 2011 to 23 March 2016
Member
01 September 2008 to 22 March 2011
Scottish Liberal Democrats
01 September 2008 to 22 March 2011
Scottish Liberal Democrats
03 September 2008 to 22 March 2011
Substitute Member
03 September 2008 to 22 March 2011
Member
13 June 2007 to 02 September 2008
Member
21 June 2007 to 02 September 2008
Substitute Member
24 May 2007 to 01 September 2008
Scottish Liberal Democrats
24 May 2007 to 01 September 2008
Scottish Liberal Democrats
MSPs must provide details of their financial interests in the Register of Interests. They make an initial statement on becoming or being returned as an MSP. This is then updated with any changes they provide.
Here is the register for Liam McArthur. The date of their initial statement was 03 June 2026.
Since April 2023, I have been officiating local football matches in Orkney for fixtures organised by the Orkney Amateur Football Association (of Kinnmohr, Holm, Orkney, Scotland, KW17 2SD). I referee between two and three matches per month in the period between April and August each year. I have also undertaken officiating at Orkney FC matches in the North Caledonian League and inter-country fixtures. I have received match fees of between £25 and £50 and total payments received are between £501 and £1,000. I have donated the majority of the fees to a local charity, Inclusive Orkney, and to other local causes.
From 27 to 28 October 2011, I participated in a trip to the Elgin-Franklin oil and gas installation to learn more about the industry and how it operates. Total E&P UK (an oil and gas exploration and production company of Crawpeel Road, Altens, Aberdeen, AB12 3FG) met the costs of this visit which were approximately £1,750. This included coach and helicopter transport, accommodation and saftey clothing.
On 6 May 2025, I received support for the production of briefing packs in relation to the Stage 1 debate for my Bill on Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults. The cost of production of the briefing packs was £630 and was paid for by Dignity in Dying (a not-for-profit organisation that campaigns for a change in the law on assisted dying, of 181 Oxford Street, London, W1D 2JT).
I received the support of an additional staff member to support the development of my Member's Bill on Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults. The post was funded by three permissible donors: Friends at the End (a Scottish registered charity working to promote end of life choices, of 4 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JE); Dignity in Dying (a not-for-profit organisation that campaigns for a change in the law on assisted dying, of 181 Oxford Street, London, W1D 2JT); Humanist Society Scotland (a Scottish registered charity that promotes humanist views and campaigns for assisted dying, of Suite 25, 4 Lochside Way, Edinburgh, EH12 9DT). From January 2022 to June 2022, the support was provided four days per week. From June 2022 to June 2025, the additional support provided was one day per week. The total value of this support over this period (January 2022 - June 2025) amounted to £54,054 with individual donations as follows: Friends at the End - £18,081, Dignity in Dying - £18,081, Humanist Society - £18,081. From June 2025 until March 2026, this support continued for an average of three days per week. The total value of this support over this period (June 2025 - March 2026) amounted to £54,243 with individual donations as follows: Friends at the End - £18,081, Dignity in Dying - £18,081, Humanist Society Scotland - £18,081.
Since September 2021, I received support in publishing materials relating to my proposed Member's Bill on Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults, in the form of a website maintained by the permissible donor, Humanist Society Scotland (a Scottish registered charity that promotes humanist views and campaigns for assisted dying, of Suite 25, 4 Lochside Way, Edinburgh, EH12 9DT). Humanist Society Scotland developed and maintained this website, www.assisteddying.scot, as well as covering the cost of the domain and website hosting. It was set up to host information relating to the public consultation on my proposals, in line with rules governing Member's Bills, including: my proposed consultation document; accessible versions of the consultation; the Non-Governmental Bills Unit's Summary Report on the consultation, and; responses to the public consultation by any individuals or organisations who provided permission for these to be published. It also hosts a report produced by the Medical Advisory Group I established to inform the practical implementation of legal assisted dying as proposed in my Member's Bill. The cost of the website was £572.56 per annum. The website remained live until the end of Session 6 of the Parliament for a total cost of £2,671.95.
From 7 to 11 October 2024, I was part of a cross-party delegation of MSPs who visited the Republic of China (Taiwan) at the invitation of the Director General, Taipei Representative Office (Edinburgh Office) in the UK, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China Department (of 1 Melville Street, Edinburgh, EH3 7PE). The delegation held meetings with a number of Government departments, trade and cultural organisations including: President MA Ying-Jeou and Madame Ma; Scottish Development International (Taiwan Office); Ministry of Transport and Communication; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Taipei City Council; Straits Exchange Foundation; British Trade and Cultural Office; Hsinchu Science Park; Green Energy and Environment Research Lab; King Car Whisky Distillery; and the National Centre for Traditional Arts. The cost of the visit comprised: air ticket £2,780; accommodation £528; bus £133; high speed rail £12; food £163; tickets for 101, opera and hot spring £59. The total cost was £3,675, met in its entirety by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan). I also received gifts, which included a vase, a tie and a tie pin, a glass ornament and a book. The value of the items was below the threshold for registration in the gifts category.
From 9 to 13 February 2024, I visited California, USA, as part of a cross-party delegation of MSPs, meeting health professionals, family members of individuals who had used the state's End of Life Options Act, Senators and representatives of organisations who provide information about the provisions of the Act. The costs of the visit, including travel, accommodation and meals amounted to £2,694 and were paid by the permissible donor Dignity in Dying (a not-for-profit organisation that campaigns for a change in the law on assisted dying, of 181 Oxford Street, London, W1D 2JF).
No registrable interests.
No registrable interests.
No registrable interests.
In August 2010, I became an honorary patron of the British Veterinary Association. My role involves raising awareness of the BVA's role and receiving information on activities and attitudes of the BVA, including access to the members only section of the BVA website. This role is unremunerated. I estimate that the value of gaining access to the website is below the threshold for registration in the gifts category. On 12 August 2021, I became a lifetime member.
I am Honorary Patron of the Orkney Japan Association. I was formerly President of the Association until November 2023.
I am a Girl Guide Ambassador.
I am an Ambassador for Hearts + Balls rugby charity. I was formerly a Director of the charity until December 2023.
Since 2020, I am President of East United FC, Orkney.
These are the official transcripts of what was said by this MSP in the chamber and at committee meetings. You'll find the topic discussed and how many times this MSP has contributed to the discussion.
Chamber meeting date: 4 November 2026
Liam McArthur (Orkney Islands) (LD): "I think that there is a general consensus around the fact that not just Scotland but the wider UK has experienced weak economic growth over a number of years. To be fair, the minister seemed to accept that…
Chamber meeting date: 3 November 2026
2. Liam McArthur (Orkney Islands) (LD): "To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to review the Scottish urban rural classification, including its application in the delivery of public services. (S7O-00416)"
Chamber meeting date: 3 November 2026
Liam McArthur (Orkney Islands) (LD): "A constituent of mine is in the process of trying to buy their first home with their partner, who fled Ukraine in 2023 at the height of the war and who still owns a flat in Kyiv, despite there being no prospect of them returning to or making use of the property. My constituents are now being hit with a £9,000 additional dwelling supplement charge.…
Chamber meeting date: 3 November 2026
Liam McArthur (Orkney Islands) (LD): "I agree with Daniel Johnson’s line of argument. Would he accept that the issue is not just a numbers game…
Chamber meeting date: 29 October 2026
Liam McArthur (Orkney Islands) (LD): "Before recess, I led a debate on the need for a regional air services strategy for the Highlands and Islands…
Read all of Liam McArthur's contributions in the Debating Chamber
Find out how Liam McArthur has voted recently.
Motion ref. S7M-01962
Submitted by: Màiri McAllan, Clydesdale, Scottish National Party. Date lodged: Monday, November 9, 2026
Supported by: Siobhian Brown, Alyn Smith
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Result 70 for, 48 against, 0 abstained, 0 did not vote
MSP voted against
Agreed
Motion ref. S7M-01962.2
Submitted by: David Green, Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, Scottish Liberal Democrats. Date lodged: Monday, November 9, 2026
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Result 9 for, 109 against, 0 abstained, 0 did not vote
MSP voted for
Disagreed
Motion ref. S7M-01962.5
Submitted by: Murdo Fraser, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. Date lodged: Monday, November 9, 2026
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Result 48 for, 69 against, 0 abstained, 0 did not vote
MSP voted for
Disagreed
Motion ref. S7M-01962.4
Submitted by: Q Manivannan, Edinburgh and Lothians East, Scottish Green Party. Date lodged: Monday, November 9, 2026
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Result 78 for, 39 against, 0 abstained, 0 did not vote
MSP voted for
Agreed
Motion ref. S7M-01962.3
Submitted by: Victor Currie, Highlands and Islands, Reform UK . Date lodged: Monday, November 9, 2026
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Result 14 for, 105 against, 0 abstained, 0 did not vote
MSP voted against
Disagreed
Find out what motions Liam McArthur has submitted recently.
Motion ref. S7M-01973
Motion ref. S7M-02005
Motion ref. S7M-01854
These are the questions that this MSP has asked in Parliament. It also includes any answer to those questions.
Asked by: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 9 October 2026
Current Status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 6 November 2026
"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to ringfencing business rates revenue from onshore wind developments for the benefit of local authorities hosting such developments."
Asked by: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 9 October 2026
Current Status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 6 November 2026
"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the potential benefits to communities hosting onshore wind developments of ringfencing business rates revenues from such developments for local authorities."
Asked by: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 22 October 2026
Current Status: Answered by Hannah Mary Goodlad on 4 November 2026
"To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to encourage local authorities to make greater use of their existing powers under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 to vary non-domestic rates."
Asked by: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 9 October 2026
Current Status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 30 October 2026
"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact on host communities of delaying the ringfencing of business rates revenue from onshore wind developments, in light of the declining number of future projects that could benefit from such a policy."
Asked by: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 28 October 2026
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 3 November 2026
"To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to review the Scottish Urban-Rural Classification, including its application in the delivery of public services."
Asked by: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 22 October 2026
Current Status: Answer expected on 19 November 2026
"To ask the Scottish Government which local authorities have used their powers under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 to vary business rates, broken down by financial year, and how many are seeking to do so."
Asked by: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 22 October 2026
Current Status: Answer expected on 19 November 2026
"To ask the Scottish Government how much revenue raised by the Business Rates Incentivisation Scheme was retained by each local authority in each year since the inception of the scheme, and how much is expected to be raised in 2026-27."
Asked by: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 5 October 2026
Current Status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 22 October 2026
"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the role of investment in community-led housing as a preventative measure to reduce future demand on health and social care services."
Asked by: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 5 October 2026
Current Status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 22 October 2026
"To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of any impact of the withdrawal of the Communities Housing Trust on the delivery of community-led housing projects currently being developed in Scotland, particularly in rural and island areas."
Asked by: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 5 October 2026
Current Status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 22 October 2026
"To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to maintaining the support for community-led housing currently provided by the Communities Housing Trust."
See all of Liam McArthur's questions submitted in Parliament