Guidelines agreed at first Islands Summit

Lerwick played host to the first annual “Islands Summit” today, attended by representatives of Scotland’s three islands councils and the UK Government.

Discussions focused on reviewing progress on the key Government policies of interest to the islands – such as connection to the national energy grid, measures to address fuel poverty, and improving connectivity with mobile and internet services.

The summit was preceded by a discussion with UK Government officials on how areas set to be devolved to the Scottish Government – through a forthcoming Scotland Bill – will impact on the islands.

Chairing the meeting was Northern Isles MP and Secretary of State for Scotland, Alistair Carmichael.

He said: “In partnership with the islands councils, we have agreement on the first set of guidelines that aims to ensure that the unique circumstances of the islands are reflected in UK Government policy across a number of key areas including energy and welfare.

“I’m also pleased to confirm the first ever Islands Oil and Gas forum will take place next month. This builds on the positive announcements for the oil and gas sector in yesterday’s budget and will focus on issues affecting island communities, such as community benefit and decommissioning.”

“This summit today takes this work to the next stage and together with further powers on the way to Scotland through the Smith Commission process there is scope to do even more in the months ahead.”

Commenting on behalf of the Our Islands Our Future campaign, leader of Shetland Islands Council, Gary Robinson, described the summit as an important mechanism to allow Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles to monitor progress against the Framework for the Islands document, which was agreed last August.

“We’re pleased with the progress we’ve made with the UK Government, even over this short period of time, and it’s extremely important we maintain the momentum we’ve generated beyond May’s general election.

“Today’s summit gave us the opportunity to agree the Islands Proofing process, secure and maximise the commitments made on the Crown Estate, review our progress, and, most importantly, look ahead to the coming year.”