Carmichael looking forward to new role

Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael has described his appointment to the role of Secretary of State for Scotland as an “honour”, vowing to continue the “excellent work” undertaken by his predecessor.

The appointment was announced by the Prime Minister yesterday as part of an Autumn governmental reshuffle.

Mr Carmichael had been the Deputy Chief Whip to the Coalition government since May 2010 and now becomes the first Cabinet Minister that the Northern Isles constituency has produced.

Speaking just hours after being appointed he said: “It is a fantastic job and a real opportunity to make a lasting contribution to Scottish politics. It is very exciting.”