Islands contract agreed

THE LEADERS of the three Scottish island councils have agreed with the Scotland office to work towards a concordat to take forward the Our Islands, Our Future initiative.

Discussions with Scottish secretary Alistair Carmichael on Friday included issues such as the development and management of island resources including renewable energy, oil and gas, fisheries and the Crown Estate.

The campaign by Shetland Islands Council, Orkney Islands Council and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar seek greater powers for island areas regardless of the outcome of the 2014 referendum on Scottish independence.

It was also confirmed that the Scotland Office would host an Islands’ desk, a dedicated resource for working with the Islands.

Working towards a written agreement between Westminster and the Scottish islands was hailed as an important step forwards in the campaign.

Western isles council leader Angus Campbell said: “We have made significant progress and we are confident that real benefits will accrue for our communities from these discussions with both the UK and Scottish governments.

Advertisement7 of 11

“We very much welcome the creation of an islands’ desk which will provide a dedicated point of contact for dealing with the relevant issues and working with the islands Councils.

“We remain on target with the campaign and we look forward to working with both governments as we progress the work to gain more powers for the benefit of those living in the islands.”