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Scotland’s three island councils have held talks in Orkney with UK government minister Andrew Dunlop at the second annual islands' summit.

 

The summit provided the local authorities representing the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland with the opportunity to discuss issues of key importance to the Our Islands Our Future campaign.

 

Areas covered included renewables, digital connectivity, islands proofing, emergency towing vessels, and plans for an ‘Islands Deal.’

 

Speaking on behalf of the three councils, councillor Steven Heddle of Orkney said: “There is a European dimension to many of the areas we discussed and coming so soon after the referendum this, not surprisingly, featured strongly in out talks.

 

“The Islands Summit provides us with an important channel of contact and communication with the Westminster government and, given recent events, it is more important than ever that we continue this dialogue with the government at ministerial level.

 

“It was acknowledged by all that the islands’ voice must be heard in the discussion and negotiation that follows the referendum result.”

 

He added: “I welcome the minister’s commitment to ongoing support for our efforts to overcome the particular challenges our islands face – and further strengthen our economies for the good of our communities and the country as a whole.

 

“Our discussions were positive and covered areas as diverse as support for islands renewables, UK government backing for an Islands Deal, and the need for a suitably high standard of universal service obligation for digital connections.”

 

 

Islands summit staged in Kirkwall

 

28 June 2016