Councils agree on Concordat for Our Islands Our Future
Leaders of the three island councils and the Secretary of State for Scotland have agreed to work towards a Concordat to take forward the ‘Our Islands Our Future’ initiative.
Discussions covering issues such as the development and management of island resources including renewable energy, oil and gas, fisheries and the Crown Estate, have been underway.
The move was agreed during the latest talks which seek greater powers for island areas.
It was also confirmed that the Scotland Office would host an islands’ desk, a dedicated resource for working with the island groups.
Councils in Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles are in ongoing discussions with both the Scottish and UK governments.
They believe that the constitutional debate offers an opportunity for islands to seek additional powers and improve lives for their communities, irrespective of referendum’s outcome.
John Tulloch
Good stuff, “way to go!”
Andy Holt
Who in their right mind would want the SIC to have greater powers? They have come close to bringing us to the brink of bankruptcy with the powers they already possess.
Rachel Buchan
How would the SIC have greater powers? In reference to the “Our Islands Our Future” initiative, they would have to negotiate, compromise, and communicate openly with others. Not something that they are used to doing, I am aware, but one can always hope!
John Tulloch
That’s what they’re doing with the Scottish and UK governments, Rachel. That’s what the story is about.
It would be inappropriate for them to negotiate “by megaphone” in the media, at least, at this stage, however, my main fear is they may pitch their demands too low and we won’t know about it until a big fat white rabbit appears out of the SIC’s hat when it’s all presented “fete accomplis”.