Government urged to back seabed control for isles

The three Northern Isles parliamentarians have challenged the Scottish Government on plans to devolve control of the seabed.

Alistair Carmichael MP, Tavish Scott MSP and Liam McArthur MSP have written to finance minister John Swinney asking that the Scottish Government fully backs proposals to give the Northern Isles full control over the seabed.

The Smith Commission recommended this step to devolve more power to coastal communities.

Mr Carmichael said: “For as long as I have been the MP for Orkney and Shetland, I have called for the islands to be given greater control over our seabed. Local communities should have the power to decide on the best investment to support our coastal communities.

“Those who live and work in the Northern Isles know best what needs to be done to give our seabed a sustainable future, and its right that local economies will reap the benefit of control over this important asset.”