Audience rejects the suggestion of 'island's minister'

Published on Wednesday 25 June 2008 00:32

ISLANDERS last night rejected the idea of a dedicated minister to represent their needs in the Scottish Government.

An island minister was called for at the Scottish Islands Federation conference in November, which heard that Scotland's 95 inhabited islands should have a common voice to help tackle issues such as high transport costs and delivering health services.

But those attending The Scotsman's debate on the future of the islands last night in Benbecula ruled out the idea. The majority of the 70-strong audience was against such a move, with just three in favour.

The idea was supported by Calum MacAulay, a hotelier from South Uist, who said: "We need to have the heavyweights of the Scottish Government looking after our interests. At the moment, it floats between departments depending on what you're talking about."

But many in the audience felt it would not help and the minister would have too big a remit and geographical area.

One of last night's panel Ron MacKinnon, a member of Lochboisdale Community Council in South Uist, said: "I don't think it will make much difference how many people you have in Edinburgh – you won't get anywhere."