Our Islands Our Future public meetings

The series of events which are set to take place over the next few weeks which will give the public the chance to get involved in the Our Islands Our Future initiative begin tonight in the West Mainland.

The campaign has brought together the councils in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles, working to secure the best outcome for the islands, whatever the result of the Independence Referendum. They want to make sure the needs of the islands are fully taken into account at a time of political change in Scotland.

“This is a once in a lifetime moment to do something really special for island communities like ours,” said Orkney Islands Council convener, Councillor Steven Heddle.

“We are negotiating with the Scottish and UK Governments and both will publish their responses to Our Islands Our Future by the summer. We are pleased with progress to date, but there is still much to play for.

“I firmly believe it is in the interests of people living and working in Orkney to support the campaign. It will greatly strengthen the case we’re making – so I would encourage people to get involved and to share their thoughts and ideas with us.”

Our Islands Our Future public meetings will be held on:

• Thursday February 20 – Milestone Community Church, Dounby – 7.30pm.
• Tuesday February 25 – Holm Community Centre – 7.30pm.
• Wednesday February 26 – Stromness Primary School – 7.30pm.
• Monday March 3 – the new Kirkwall Grammar School – 7.30pm.

A special meeting for community councillors from the North and South Isles will be held in the OIC Council Chamber earlier in the day on Monday, March 3, and the OIC is encouraging islanders to contact their local Community Councillors with their thoughts and ideas, so these can be raised at the meeting.