Scott to put case for decentralisation

Shetland MSP Tavish Scott was selected yesterday to represent the Scottish Liberal Democrats at the upcoming cross-party talks on more powers for the Scottish Parliament.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie revealed that he had selected former Lib Dem Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore, along with Mr Scott, to take part in Lord Smith of Kelvin’s cross-party talks on more powers.

Mr Scott said he was naturally very happy to have been selected to take part in the negotiations.

He said: “We as a party were the first out the blocks with our plans for more powers, with Sir Menzies Campbell’s proposals for home rule in a federal UK published back in 2012.

“I am determined to make substantial changes so that Scotland can make more decisions closer to home that meet our specific needs here.
“With our hands on the purse strings we can have more control over our own destiny whilst sharing risk and reward within the United Kingdom.”

Mr Scott said the grip on power in Edinburgh must also be released, however. He fully intended to strongly put forward the case for powers to be transferred beyond Edinburgh so that decisions can be taken locally, and therefore Shetland could have the opportunity to make decisions to suit the isles’ specific needs.

He added: “This is not just about transferring power from London to Edinburgh but also about transferring powers from Edinburgh out across Scotland.

“I intend to speak to many people and organisations across Shetland about this exciting future.”