Politics / ‘Intensifying discussions’ over greater island autonomy, first minister says
First minister John Swinney has arrived in Shetland for a two-day visit
FIRST minister John Swinney has said there are “intensifying discussions” about the Scottish Government giving Shetland Islands Council greater autonomy.
He was speaking at the start of a two-day trip to Shetland, and ahead of a visit to the community-led Garth windfarm in Yell today (Wednesday).
Swinney said there was a “fundamental injustice” between Shetlanders paying among the UK’s highest energy bills while hosting large-scale developments like the Viking windfarm.
The first minister also said pilot work was ongoing to find out whether a suggestion from SNP candidate Hannah Mary Goodlad – who is accompanying Swinney on his visit – that a local quota of cabins could be set aside for islanders on NorthLink ferries at peak times would work.
He called it a “very good idea”, and praised Goodlad’s vision for Shetland if she is elected as MSP.
Swinney also said the Scottish Government is continuing to back Shetland Islands Council’s exploration for potential fixed links, saying they would support them financially whether tunnels or new inter-island ferries were needed.
And he said the SNP government was working with Shetland, Orkney and Western Isles councils about giving them greater autonomy to make decisions relating to their local areas.
Swinney is on a two-day visit to Shetland, and his itinerary includes visits to a nursery, Lerwick Port Authority, UHI Scalloway and a local crofting business.
He is also due to take part in a public discussion event at the museum in Lerwick tonight (Wednesday) which is being hosted by SNP candidate Goodlad.
More to follow…
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