Energy and transport on agenda as SIC delegation attends SNP conference
ENERGY and transport – including ferry replacements – were two key topics being discussed with Shetland Islands Council at the recent SNP conference in Aberdeen.
The SIC again had a stall at the SNP conference – the only local authority to do so.
The council has sent representatives to SNP conferences before to try to push the voice of the local authority to Scottish Government ministers and MSPs.
The stall had a tagline “by unlocking Shetland’s opportunity, we can unlock Scotland’s growth”.
It also highlighted industries in Shetland such as energy, space, aquaculture, tourism and culture.
SIC depute leader Gary Robinson said he was only able to attend two of the three days, but added that it felt “quieter than previous years”.
“Despite that we still had good engagement with ministers and delegates,” he said.
“Our main focus this time was around things like how a constrained energy scheme could help us to tackle fuel poverty, and reinforcing the need, despite the recent decision on tunnels, for continued investment in ferries and ferries infrastructure in the meantime.”
Last year SIC leader Emma Macdonald sought to defend the SIC’s stand at the conference and the cost to the public purse.
The cost, excluding VAT and fees, for exhibition spaces this year ranged from £1,800 for social enterprise/community groups to £6,250 for commercial purposes.
Third sector/charity were billed £3,250 excluding VAT and professional associations or trade unions had to pay £3,750.
Other exhibitors this year included charities such as Independent Age, Crisis Scotland and the British Heart Foundation, while there were also a variety of organisations as well as unions, SSE and the HM Government of Gibraltar.
