Council leaders welcome ‘Our Islands Our Future’ discussions

Island Council leaders have welcomed a commitment from Scottish Secretary of State Michael Moore to meet to discuss the joint initiative Our Islands Our Future, which seeks greater powers for Islands.

The meeting with the Leaders of Shetland Islands Council, Orkney Islands Council and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is expected to be held within the next few weeks.

Orkney Island Council convener, Councillor Steven Heddle, said: “’The meeting with the Secretary of State will be a significant next step in our engagement with the UK Government. It will allow us to pose questions directly on aspects of our campaign which are not currently devolved to the Scottish Government.

“It also gives us the opportunity to start to establish the UK Government’s commitment to the Islands both now, and in the future, if there is a No vote in the Scottish independence referendum.”