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Islands Minister Derek Mackay wants to hear firsthand how islanders feel about the Comhairle’s aim to acquire more powers.

 

Mr Mackay plans to visit the islands to listen to people’s views face-to-face.

 

The council is now in a phase of detailed negotiations over proposed further devolved legislation on the back of the Smith Commission report.

 

It follows a joint bid - called the Our Islands Our Future campaign - with Orkney and Shetland councils to seek more control of issues affecting the islands.

 

 

Island councils’ power talks  

26  February 2015

A meeting of the island areas ministerial working group d this week discussed issues such as the development and management of island resources including renewable energy, oil and gas, fisheries and the Crown Estate.

 

Islands Minister Derek Mackay said: “Across government, we look forward to continuing discussions with the island councils in the months ahead on issues of strategic importance to them.

 

“I am also personally keen to engage in discussions directly with the people who live and work in our island communities and will therefore be undertaking a series of visits in the months ahead to hear their views face to face.”

Derek Mackay said: “The appointment of an Islands Minister underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensuring the unique nature and needs of our island communities are championed at the heart of government.”

 

He said he was keen to work with our island councils to deliver many of the commitments proposed.

 

“This Government is committed to the principle of local decision making, and the work we are taking forward with our island communities sits at the very heart of the government’s wider empowerment agenda.

Angus Campbell, leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: “This meeting provided us with an opportunity to discuss some of the areas that remain at the heart of the Our Islands Our Future agenda.

 

“These include plans to devolve Crown Estate revenues and management of Crown Estate assets in our communities. The other main area is the island proofing of Scottish Government policy and Parliamentary scrutiny - two areas where the communities of the Islands can benefit greatly.”

 

He added: “Our discussions with the Scottish Government are proceeding well and we look forward to continuing these discussions which will help to map out the way ahead for Scotland’s island groups.

 

“We are also delighted that the Islands Minister has committed to a series of visits to the islands in the near future to hear people’s views first-hand and we remain confident that we can secure real benefits for our islands through our campaign and as we progress the detail of implementing proposals.”