Agreement on the way forward for islands’ future

The leaders of Scotland’s three Island Councils and the Secretary of State for Scotland have agreed to work towards a Concordat to take forward the Our Islands Our Future initiative.

Discussions are covering issues such as the development and management of island resources including renewable energy, oil and gas, fisheries and the Crown Estate.

The move was agreed during the latest discussions on the Our Islands Our Future initiative which seeks greater powers for Island areas.

The councils of Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles are in ongoing discussions with both the Scottish and UK Governments.

They believe that the constitutional debate taking place in Scotland offers a once in a generation opportunity for islands to seek additional powers and improve lives for island communities, irrespective of the outcome of the referendum.