Council / ‘Status quo is failing both island groups’, SIC councillor says ahead of Orkney motion
A SHETLAND councillor who was involved in the push to explore self-determination has wished his Orkney counterparts well ahead of a similar motion going in front of elected members in Kirkwall today (Tuesday).
Duncan Anderson, from the North Isles, said the Orkney Islands Council (OIC) motion due to be heard is similar to the one the SIC passed in 2020.
The OIC motion has been lodged by leader James Stockan, and it calls for the exploration of options for alternative models of governance that would provide greater fiscal security and economic opportunity for Orkney.
It goes further than the Shetland motion by stating that the investigations should look at “Nordic connections, Crown Dependencies and other options for greater subsidiarity and autonomy”.
This includes, for example, Faroe as a self-governing territory of Denmark, as well as the Isle of Man and the Falkland Islands.
In interviews Stockan has highlighted the cost of operating Orkney’s inter-island ferries.
“The funding we get from the Scottish Government is significantly less per head than Shetland and the Western Isles to run the same services – we can’t go on as we are,” he told the BBC.
Speaking on Monday, SIC councillor Anderson said he thinks some of the national media headlines around the Orkney are “a bit overblown” – as per what happened in the Shetland coverage.
“[I think it] perhaps overlooks the essence of why both councils feel this is worth looking at,” he added.
“The status quo is failing both island groups and has been for a long time.
“I will continue to push for progress on investigating Shetland’s future and I wish our Orcadian neighbours well in their efforts to do the same.”
SIC to explore ways of achieving self-determination after elected members back motion
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Orkney Islands Council voted back in 2017 to look at whether the islands could have greater autonomy.
The Orkney motion warns, however, about the workload for staff if it is passed.
Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston, who is from Orkney, said he felt “talk of ‘re-joining Norway’ is more about generating media headlines than anything else”.
“Orkney Islands Council is right to highlight the funding issues our islands face; an issue I have been raising myself for over 20 years,” the Conservative MSP added.
“But this ongoing and damaging underfunding comes from Scottish Government ministers in Edinburgh.”
A spokesperson for the prime minister is reported as saying that “fundamentally we are stronger as one United Kingdom, we have no plans to change that”.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 630 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.