Council / Virtual event to explore self-determination in island context
Speakers from Faroe and the Isle of Man, as well as Shetland, will take part
A ‘VIRTUAL summit’ is set to take place early next month aimed at starting the process of community engagement on the idea of self-determination.
It is being organised by members of Shetland Islands Council following September’s motion to explore options for political and financial self-determination.
The event, which will start at 7pm on 1 December, will be titled Reflections on Self Determination – an Islands Perspective, and it will presented by broadcaster and writer Lesley Riddoch.
It will feature speakers from Shetland, Faroe and the Isle of Man.
John Goodlad, a former parliamentary candidate for the Shetland Movement, will speak.
Aki Johansen, a Faroese representative to the UK based at the Royal Danish Embassy in London, is scheduled to appear, while Peter Boxer from the Isle of Man Government will also speak.
The virtual event will be open to the public and hosted on the Eventbrite platform.
It is intended to begin the process of community engagement and discussion with the Shetland public on the topic, and provide an insight into what self-determination could provide in an island context.
There will also be an opportunity for attendees to submit questions to the speakers. People can register for the event here.
North Isles councillor Duncan Anderson was one of the elected members behind September’s motion.
He said the council has opened dialogue with both the UK and Scottish governments and that “discussions are ongoing”.
“In the meantime, we have been working on this virtual summit as well as doing work internally on what forms of self governance exist elsewhere and how aspects of these could be adapted to a Shetland model,” Anderson said.
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.
