‘European dimension’ to subjects discussed at Islands Summit

Renewables, digital connectivity, islands proofing, emergency towing vessels, and plans for an “islands deal”, were among the topics discussed at the second Islands Summit in Kirkwall yesterday, Monday.

The summit saw representatives of the councils of Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles meet with UK Government Minister Andrew Dunlop.

The annual summit is one of the commitments set out in the Framework for the Islands, published in August 2014 as part of the UK Government’s response to the Our Islands Our Future campaign.

Speaking on behalf of the three councils, the OIC convener, Councillor Heddle, said: “There is a European dimension to many of the areas we discussed and coming so soon after the Referendum this, not surprisingly, featured strongly in out talks.

“The Islands Summit provides us with an important channel of contact and communication with the Westminster Government and, given recent events, it is more important than ever that we continue this dialogue with the Government at Ministerial level.

“It was acknowledged by all that the islands’ voice must be heard in the discussion and negotiation that follows the Referendum result.”

He added: “I welcome the minister’s commitment to ongoing support for our efforts to overcome the particular challenges our islands face – and further strengthen our economies for the good of our communities and the country as a whole.

“Our discussions were positive and covered areas as diverse as support for islands renewables, UK Government backing for an Islands Deal, and the need for a suitably high standard of universal service obligation for digital connections.”