Planning minister’s two-day visit

Derek Mackay, Scotland’s local government and planning minister, is in Orkney for a two-day visit.

Mr Mackay is meeting with frontline planning staff, several representatives from Orkney Island Council, as well as touring renewable projects and meet with Kirkwall Business Improvement District members.

He said: “Orkney is enriched by a high quality environment and many special places to live in and visit. During my visit I am meeting with those at the coal face, who deal with planning issues on a daily basis. It is important that they maintain a high level of performance; our people deserve no less.

“Future planning decisions should be given significant weight to the economic benefit of the proposed developments, particularly the creation of new jobs.”