Orkney is first stop for new Islands Minister

The Scottish Government’s new Islands Minister is due to meet with the convener of Orkney Islands Council tomorrow, Tuesday.

Speaking ahead of his visit to the county, Derek Mackay MSP said: “The Scottish Government’s proposals to empower all of Scotland’s island communities included a commitment to appoint an Islands Minister and I am keen to engage with all the islands leaders.

“Orkney is my first island visit since being appointed and I plan to visit all other Island leaders in the coming weeks.

“In my new role, I will focus on fulfilling our commitments to empower and support Scotland’s island communities and to provide a voice for all of Scotland’s 93 island communities within the Government.

“We will shortly re-launch the Islands Area Ministerial Working Group and consult on further measures that might be included in an Islands Act. This will include how the Smith Commission proposals for the full devolution of all Crown Estate assets in Scotland can bring benefits to the islands.”