Scottish Independence: Islands want more power

• Talks held among island community leaders.

• Speculation that Shetland may want to go it alone.

Talks were held as representatives of Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles (Comhairle nan Eilean Siar) met with John Swinney on Lerwick at the Convention of Highlands and Islands today.

The prospect of Scottish independence, anchored on North Sea oil and gas revenues, has prompted a backlash on Shetland in particular. Talks have already been held on the local council amid speculation it could go it alone as an Isle of Man-style Crown dependency and claim the lion’s share of North Sea oil and gas revenues.

Although constitutional change was not on the agenda for the convention meeting in Lerwick today, the leadership on Shetland confirmed that talks were held among the island community leaders on the issue.

Opportunities

Shetland Islands Council convener Malcolm Bell said: “Constitutional reform was not a specific item on the Convention agenda, but clearly, we will be taking every opportunity that arises, to engage with our colleagues from Orkney and the Councils.

“Recognising that we face many of the same types of issues, all three island groups are in agreement that there will be benefit in organising ourselves so that we put across our points together as an island lobby group when the opportunities arise.

“Having just had our seminar with Councillors a couple of weeks ago, it was useful to compare viewpoints with the other islands. All three islands groups are at a similar stage in this process, one that I would describe as ‘organising our thoughts’.”

Mr Swinney has already played down the prospect of Shetland claiming significant oil and gas revenues claiming international precedents suggest their claim would be based on the limited reach of its fishing waters.

Cabinet meeting

The finance secretary told the SNP conference yesterday that North Sea oil and gas money would allow an independent Scotland to flourish financially. He announced today that the Scottish Government will hold a summer cabinet meeting on Shetland later this year.

The event will see open meetings held for the local communities as part of their visits and the public are encouraged to attend the sessions, where Ministers will be on hand to answer questions.

Mr Swinney said: “The Highlands and Islands make a substantial contribution to Scotland’s economy and culture.

“I am delighted to announce at the Convention of Highlands and Islands today that my cabinet colleagues will be meeting in Shetland this summer to hear first hand about the issues important to the people of Shetland and to set out what the Scottish Government is doing to support the growth and prosperity of these islands now and in the future.”