SIC keen to involve Faroe

SIC LEADER Gary Robinson has welcomed the Faroe Islands’ desire to be included in a forthcoming islands summit alongside Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles.

After meeting a delegation from Faroe, Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil has written to his area’s local authority asking for the Faroese – a self-governing part of the Danish state – to be included in a summit expected to take place later this year.

Meetings between the four islands used to take place biennially but there have been none since the current SIC membership took office in 2012.

Following a recent visit to Shetland by Áki Johansen, the Faroes’ London-based head of representation, Robinson said he would welcome any opportunity to further discuss issues such as broadband and transport.

Robinson said: “The idea of a summit between the four island groups is nothing new. Such summits have been held at regular intervals for many years but, it’s fair to say, this meeting is currently overdue.

“We are currently pursuing a meeting to discuss matters of mutual interest. This will include our continuing partnership with Faroese Telecom and the prospects for future transport links amongst other items of business.”