‘Constructive’ day of talks
The first day of talks between the leaders of the three islands councils and UK government ministers has been described as “constructive” by Secretary of State for Scotland, Alistair Carmichael MP.
Mr Carmichael said: “The UK Government is firmly supportive of the efforts of the islands councils to seek greater influence and clout in decision-making, both at Westminster and Holyrood.
“Discussions so far have been very constructive. The Scotland Office is working closely with the councils to make sure that islands’ priorities are represented and promoted at the heart of the UK government. We now need to focus our efforts on getting formal agreement on the priorities that we have both agreed are important to us.”