Film launched to attract votes for marine plan

Orkney Islands Council has published a short film to help attract public support for a local marine planning project.

The OIC has been working with the Highland Council and Marine Scotland on the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Spatial Plan – a plan designed to manage development activity in the Pentland Firth and Orkney waters.

Adopted by Scottish Ministers and both councils earlier this year it has also been shortlisted for the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning (SAQP).

Councillor James Stockan, chairman of the OIC development and infrastructure committee, said: ‘This is one of the most advanced plans of its kind in the world. Having drawn together all the users of our ocean space, it is now being used in planning decision making.

“It will be instrumental in protecting and managing demands on the pristine waters in and around Orkney for current and future generations.

“Together with Marine Scotland and The Highland Council we’ve worked with over 250 organisations and individuals in the making of this plan, so it really is a case of showing the rest of the world how it can be done.

“I’d urge everyone in Orkney to watch our short film and then vote for this pioneering project.”

The marine plan is one of seven projects shortlisted under the ‘partnership’ category, with the awards receiving over sixty applications in total.

The deadline to vote for the plan is November 1, with winners expected to be announced on the November 8. To vote, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/PeopleschoiceSAQP