Islands minister reconvenes ministerial working group

Chaired by islands minister Derek Mackay, the meetingincluded the leaders and chief executive of Scotland’s three islands councils – Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles – as well as the minister for business, energy and tourism, Fergus Ewing, and minister for local government and community empowerment Marco Biagi.

Discussions focused on issues such as the potential for a future Islands Bill consultation, the Crown Estate, and the group’s work to date towards delivering on commitments outlined in the Empowering Scotland’s Island Communities prospectus.

A revised terms of reference and outline programme of work was agreed, which will see the Island Areas Ministerial Working Group meet a total of six times between now and early 2016.

Speaking on behalf of the three island authorities, Councillor Angus Campbell, leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: “This meeting provided us with an opportunity to discuss some of the areas that remain at the heart of the Our Islands Our Future agenda.

“These include plans to devolve Crown Estate revenues and management of Crown Estate assets in our communities. The other main area is the island proofing of Scottish Government policy and Parliamentary scrutiny — two areas where the communities of the islands can benefit greatly.

“Our discussions with the Scottish Government are proceeding well and we look forward to continuing these discussions which will help to map out the way ahead for Scotland’s island groups.

“We are also delighted that the islands minister has committed to a series of visits to the islands in the near future to hear people’s views first-hand and we remain confident that we can secure real benefits for our islands through our campaign and as we progress the detail of implementing proposals.”