Scottish independence: SNP targets islands
Scotland’s islands have emerged as a key battleground in the referendum campaign after the Our Islands Our Future campaign was launched by Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles aimed at using the independence debate to secure more powers from Holyrood and Westminster.
Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael last week launched a framework between the UK Government and the three Scottish islands councils in the event of a No vote.
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Ms Sturgeon will today begin a series of campaigning visits to the islands after Alex Salmond recently signed the Lerwick Declaration to give more powers to Scotland’s islands from Holyrood.
She sails to Shetland today, then tyravels to Orkney later in the week to take part in public meetings before visiting the Western Isles next week.
Ms Sturgeon insisted the UK Government “failed” to offer any additional powers for Scotland’s islands.
“We have set out a whole range of opportunities that will be available to the islands with independence – including 100% of the revenues from the seabed around the islands, money which it will be for the islands themselves to choose how they spend,” she said.
“Where people in Scotland recognise the difference that money can make to islands in the future as offshore wave and tidal energy develops, the Westminster parties are determined to hang on to that money in the Treasury.”
As well as 100% of the revenues from the seabed surrounding the islands going direct to island communities, the Scottish Government’s plans will also see a minister for Scotland’s islands and “island proofing” of all legislation.
The deal with Mr Carmichael set out last week did not include a provision for for seabed control and the associated income being transferred to local councils.