Call for clarity

YES Shetland is calling for clarity from local MSP Tavish Scott following his calls for Shetland to become an independent crown dependency. (Tavish pushes for Home Rule, SN – 15 March 13)

Whilst I welcome Tavish’s statement, it seems to be at odds with that of his leader, Willie Rennie, who had previously stated that there would be no further devolution for the regions of Scotland.

YES Shetland call for Mr Scott to clarify the position of the Liberal Democrats. Had his party and Westminster believed Shetland could be independent then why had they not campaigned for this during the previous devolution referendum and during the 2011Scottish Government election campaign?

Mr Scott needs to come clean and admit to the people of Shetland that under his proposal we would have less power than we have now and none of the oil and gas, as under international law as a crown dependency Shetland would only have access to the 12 mile limit.

YES Shetland believes that the only real way to achieve a fair and truly democratic society, in which every citizen of society is valued and safeguarding Shetland from the austerity of Westminster is through a positive yes vote in the coming referendum.

Shetland will need to have a strong voice and this can be achieved through a written constitution as is being proposed by the Yes Scotland campaign.

YES Shetland can also confirm that the ZCC Act 1974 would continue as it is today.

Although it is an Act of Westminster it was devolved to the Scottish Government in 1999 and would also transfer to an independent Scotland.

The SNP has always been open to further autonomy for Shetland and Orkney in an independent Scotland – something that Westminster has not delivered.

Scott Miller
Spokesman for YES Shetland
Mossbank