News / Constitutional future
SHETLAND MSP Tavish Scott believes this week’s visit by Norwegian prime minister Jens Stoltenberg will reignite discussions about the islands’ constitutional future.
His comments came as the two northern isles Liberal Democrat MSPs submitted their joint response to the Scottish government’s consultation on the independence referendum.
Mr Scott and Liam McArthur, representing Orkney, point to the centralisation taking place under the SNP administration and call for more power to be transferred to the isles.
“We advocate more powers and responsibilities for the northern isles,” Mr Scott said.
“Five years of nationalism in Edinburgh has been five years of centralisation. Control of colleges, police and fire are all being removed from the islands. The nationalist government now promote laws that will push up tenants rents in Shetland and could cost jobs and investment in the salmon farming industry.
“To top all this there is now growing uncertainty over the future contract for our lifeline ferry services. It is not hard to conclude that the Islands themselves would be better placed to make such decisions.
“It is certainly the case that many Shetlanders feel a Norse connection rather than a Scottish one. These sentiments are sure to be echoed on Wednesday and Thursday when we welcome the Norwegian prime minister to the islands.
“Our cultures remain closely linked and I think the visit will reignite discussions about Shetland’s constitutional future amongst the islanders.”
Mr Stoltenberg will be in Shetland this week to open the new Scalloway museum on Thursday.
On Wednesday Shetland Islands Council’s head of housing Anita Jamieson will give evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s finance committee about the threat to the housing support grant as proposed by the Local Government Finance (Unoccupied Properties etc.) (Scotland) Bill.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
