Islands Bill outcome welcomed as historic achievement

As the Scottish Parliament voted to pass the Islands (Scotland) Bill, Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur successfully secured support for amendments that will strengthen the new legislation.

Mr McArthur first gained parliamentary backing for an amendment that will ensure so-called ‘island proofing’ is applied to existing as well as future legislation and policy.

Then, despite government opposition, Mr McArthur secured a majority in favour of amendments that will enable island authorities to apply for more powers and responsibilities in future, where appropriate.

In a series of further amendments lodged by Orkney’s MSP, parliament gave its support to measures that will ensure that the proposed National Islands Plan will include specific reference to the needs of island communities in relation to lifeline transport links, broadband and digital connectivity and the need to address fuel poverty.

Commenting after the amended Bill was passed unanimously at Decision Time yesterday, Wednesday, evening, Mr McArthur said: “This Bill finally recognises that the needs and circumstances of our island communities are different. It should now bring an end to a one-size-fits-all approach to policy and law-making that has been so damaging to our islands over the years.

“The commitment to ‘island proofing’ future policy and legislation was always a welcome step, but it could never be the extent of our ambition. I am pleased, therefore, that the parliament backed my amendment ensuring existing policy and legislation can be subjected to the same test.

“It was also encouraging to see parliament support my efforts to enable local authorities to apply for further powers in future. Over time, the appetite and ability of island communities to take on additional responsibilities will change and this legislation needs to allow that to happen. After all, as former First Minister, Donald Dewar once observed, devolution is a process, not an event.

“Through these and other changes, parliament has helped strengthen what is a welcome Bill. We now need to see government and its agencies held to account in respecting not just the letter but the spirit of the law. Island communities will expect nothing less.”

Giving his reaction, OIC Leader James Stockan said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government and MSPs from other parties have listened to our case and have ensured that this will be fit-for-purpose legislation that delivers transformational support for island communities for many years to come.

“We have worked hard to achieve this. We have lobbied the Government and MSPs from across the political spectrum at Holyrood. This is an historic and momentous achievement for all involved.”

Moving forward, the three Island authorities in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles are bringing forward proposals for an ambitious Islands Deal that will be transformational for the economies and communities of the islands.

Councillor Stockan said: “We are rightly proud of the unique contribution our islands make to the economic prosperity, cultural diversity and international reputation of Scotland and the United Kingdom, but we recognise we can offer so much more with the right level of strategic investment.

“Securing that investment through an Islands Deal is the focus for the next phase of collaboration between our three island authorities and we look forward to the strong support of the Scottish and UK Governments in that process.”

Further reaction in The Orcadian, next week.