OIC reaffirms commitment to Islands Bill

The new Leaders of Orkney Islands Council, Shetland Islands Council, and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, have reaffirmed their commitment to the Islands Bill.

The leaders of all three councils spoke positively, following a meeting, yesterday, Tuesday, of the Islands Strategic Group, which was chaired by Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and the Islands

OIC political leader, James Stockan, was confident about the future of the Islands Bill, as it moves towards parliamentary assent.

“We will continue working together with our islands colleagues to ensure that the Islands Bill works in a tangible manner,” he said.

“As we come to the challenging process of having the Bill pass through Parliament, we need to ensure that we get the results which directly benefit our communities. We believe that increased local accountability, decision-making and control is critical to future management of resources.”