First meeting for ministerial working group

Representatives from Orkney Islands Council, Shetland Islands Council and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar are due in Edinburgh today, Thursday, for the inaugural meeting of a Scottish Government ministerial working group, set-up to discuss opportunities which may be presented to the island groups following next year’s independence referendum.

The three authorities launched the Our Islands — Our Future campaign in June, the aim of which is to ensure the islands fulfil their potential in a wide range of areas, including control of marine resources, renewable energy development, and public sector reform.

At that point, approaches were made to the UK and Scottish governments, as well as other political parties.  Last month, the Scottish Government made a commitment to set up a ministerial working group to consider the issues raised by the campaign.

The meeting aims to establish the terms of reference and work plan of the group, and address the first substantive issue of the future of the Crown Estate.

Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Angus Campbell commented: “I am looking forward to this inaugural meeting of the ministerial working group, which not only represents a historic moment for the island councils, but presents an opportunity to open detailed discussions with the Scottish Government on our expectations for additional powers to give us a greater ability to shape the destinies of Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles, improves the lives of those living and working in the islands, and provide real benefits to the nation.”