Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael has launched a framework between the UK Government and the three Scottish islands councils in the event of a No vote in the independence referendum.
The framework, the first agreement of its kind in the country was established in response to the Our Islands, Our Future joint campaign. It follows extensive dialogue between the Western Isles, Shetland and Orkney councils and the UK Government.
There is no legal obligation on Westminster or any future government to honour the plan, though ten key points have been drawn up.
Expectations have been dashed that seabed control and the associated income would be transferred to local councils. Island councils will receive an annual briefing on the body’s financial matters.
Also absent is any mention of reinstating an emergency towing tug on the west coast to save any ship in distress and protect the environment from an oil spill disaster.
There is no promise to install a energy sub-
Instead, the main thrust of the plan is to create better communication between the councils and the UK Government.
One promise is to set up an islands working group supported by a dedicated position in the Scotland Office.
The councils can send a representative to a pan-
Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael said the “announcement is a landmark for the relationship between the UK Government and our island communities in Scotland.
“It builds on a great deal of good work in the past and will strengthen the voice of our islands at the heart of government. It will mean their unique needs are considered across all UK Government activity and legislation, tailoring our approach to ensure islands issues continue to get the attention they require.
“That is good news for the councils and for the whole country and will improve the economy, connectivity and lives of people on our islands. It shows we are not only listening, but acting and in doing so we are strengthening Scotland and its place in the UK.
Angus Campbell, leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: “It is to be welcomed that the UK Government has responded to the Our Islands Our Future campaign with this framework agreement and this opens up avenues for much work in the future.
“I particularly welcome the commitment to island proofing in legislation and to a formal process of dialogue through an annual summit between island councils and the UK Government where strategic matters of importance to island communities will be taken forward.
“Island desks -
Mr Campbell added: “I am confident that as we approach the referendum the island groups are in a much stronger position now with both the UK and Scottish Governments than we were prior to the launch of Our Islands Our Future.”
London’s new deal for Scottish islands 17/8/14
Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael and Comhairle leader Angus Campbell shake on the framework agreement