First Minister Alex Salmond will today (16 June) set out a details of a new ‘power-sharing’ programme to empower Scotland’s islands.
The proposals, which are the result of nearly a year’s collaboration between the Islands Council Leaders and the Scottish Government covers Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles and also extend to all of Scotland’s islands.
The islands prospectus will show how, with the powers of independence, Scotland’s islands can be empowered to have greater control over their local economies, natural environment and have a guarantee that their concerns on all issues will be heard at the heart of government.
The prospectus will set out opportunities from renewables and aquaculture which would benefit all island communities.
Speaking on behalf of the three councils, Orkney Islands Council Convener Steven Heddle said:“Our island groups face unique challenges, not least because of our geographic remoteness from the rest of the country.
“Our firm belief is that empowering our islands would bring many benefits – giving us the tools invest in our communities and drive sustainable economic growth.
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