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

News / Lerwick summit agrees islands proofing

Scottish secretary Alistair Carmichael (left) and the three islands council leaders Steven Heddle (Orkney), Gary Robinson (Shetland) and Angus Campbell (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) agreeing guidelines to ensure that the islands' unique circumstances are being reflected in UK government policies - Photo: Pete Bevington/ShetNews

THE INTERESTS of Scotland’s island communities will be ingrained in UK government policies, according to Scottish secretary Alistair Carmichael.

The northern isles MP met with the council leaders of Shetland, Orkney and the western isles in Lerwick on Thursday morning.

The Islands Summit build on the commitments set out in the UK Government’s ‘Framework for the Islands’, published before last September’s Scottish independence referendum.

Discussions focused on reviewing progress on the key government policies of interest to the islands such as connection to the national energy grid, measures to address fuel poverty, and improving connectivity with mobile and internet services.

The summit was preceded by discussions with UK government officials on how areas to be devolved to the Scottish Government will impact on the islands.

Carmichael said: “In partnership with the islands councils, we have agreement on the first set of guidelines that aims to ensure that the unique circumstances of the islands are reflected in UK Government policy across a number of key areas including energy and welfare.

offset-carousel/post-mobile/0

“I’m also pleased to confirm the first ever islands oil and gas forum will take place next month.

“This builds on the positive announcements for the oil and gas sector in yesterday’s Budget and will focus on issues affecting island communities such as community benefit and decommissioning.”

Shetland Islands Council political leader Gary Robinson added: “Today’s summit gave us the opportunity to agree the islands proofing process, secure and maximise the commitments made on the Crown Estate, review our progress, and, most importantly, look ahead to the coming year.”

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/exchange-62widget/pd_widget-6widget/exchange-53widget/pd_widget-7widget/exchange-63widget/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.