widget/exchange-29
widget/exchange-30widget/exchange-33
widget/exchange-31

News / Scott slams SNP stance on “isles oil”

SHETLAND MSP Tavish Scott is demanding Scottish first minister Alex Salmond spells out the SNP position on the islands of Scotland votes for independence in 2014.

In a letter to the first minister, Scott seeks clarification on the government’s policy towards Shetland following Wednesday Scottish Parliament debate on the future of oil and gas in an independent Scotland.

The MSP said he was “astonished” at remarks from former environment minister Stewart Stevenson that Shetland was too small to have a say on the country’s oil reserves.

Scott used Wednesday’s debate to highlight a report from London-based consultants Capital Economics saying Shetland could have a strong negotiating position because so much of Scotland’s oil lie in its coastal waters.

Following the debate, Scott said: “This week the genie flew out of the nationalist bottle. The SNP don’t believe in people determining their future unless it’s on their nationalist terms.

offset-carousel/post-mobile/0

“That does not work in Shetland. We have had five years of losing powers and responsibilities to a nationalist government in the central belt.

“Now on the future of the country their message is clear. We will decide and you, the islands, will do what we say. Well I say no to that.”

Scott said Shetland had built up a successful professional relationship with the oil industry since the 1970s that was likely to extend for the next few decades with west of Shetland oil and gas.

But while it had brought prosperity islanders had to live with the risk, as highlighted by the Esso Bernicia and Braer oil spills.

“If independence with all the huge uncertainty that would cause were to be contemplated then Shetland will want to fight for what is fairly ours,” he said, pointing out the relationship between Faroe and Denmark.

The MSP commended Orkney Islands Council on establishing a group to consider its future under independence and called on Shetland Islands Council to do the same.

“Otherwise only one thing is certain. Shetland will be ignored as Edinburgh and London fight out the constitutional future of the UK.”

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
Categories
widget/pd_widget-6widget/pd_widget-7widget/exchange-53widget/exchange-54widget/pd_widget-8widget/exchange-55widget/pd_widget-9widget/exchange-56

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.