Third ministerial working group meeting marks halfway point

The Island Areas Ministerial Working Group – which includes representatives from Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles councils – met for the third time on Thursday, chaired by Derek Mackay, minister for local government and planning.

The group – established as part of the Our Islands Our Future campaign – discussed a number of issues important to Scotland’s island communities, including fishing and aquaculture, and measures to boost the local economies of the islands.

Orkney Islands Council convener, Councillor Steven Heddle said: “The three islands councils maintain their position that there should be legislation within the lifetime of this parliament, regardless of the outcome of the referendum, whilst respecting the Scottish Government’s political position.

“This was a positive meeting – an opportunity to discuss, in detail, with the Scottish Government some of the key topics at the heart of the Our Islands Our Future campaign including economic drivers, fisheries, aquaculture and the crown estate.

“We are conscious that we are at the halfway point of our engagement with ministers and government officials, with three of the six scheduled meetings behind us. These high level talks will continue into 2014, with the next meeting scheduled to take place in January.

“As a result of our ongoing discussions, we know look forward to the development of a prospectus that will help to chart out the opportunities and way forward for Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles, and seek for this to be legislated for within the lifetime of this parliament.”