Our Islands Our Future

Now thrust into an ever-shifting political landscape, they want to make the most out of any opportunity that arises from the process of transferring powers between UK and Scottish Parliaments.

The UK’s withdrawal from the EU may also throw up some benefits as could the shifting electoral mandates.

The comhairle is set to approve awarding up to £100,000 to fund the next stage of the campaign.

It includes hiring a project officer - to be based in one of the island groups - over the coming two years.

Council leader Roddie Mackay said: “It is important that we take a proactive approach to tackling the challenges faced by our communities and to develop our full economic potential we must make the most of our nationally important resources such as renewable energy.

“The islands are seeking to make the most of our nationally important resources such as renewable energy for the benefit of Scotland and the UK.”

Plan to hire campaign co-ordinator to push Our Islands Our Future agenda

21 June 2017

Councillors are to debate recruiting a campaign officer to push the Our Islands Our Future agenda.

It follows the introduction of the Islands Bill at the Scottish Parliament last week.

Discussions are also taking place on an islands’ deal with aims to enhance local democracy and achieve the islands’ full economic potential.

A joint approach - called the Our Islands Our Future campaign - with Orkney and Shetland councils seeks more control of issues affecting the islands.

Development and management of island resources including renewable energy, oil and gas, fisheries and the Crown Estate should be devolved locally, say the councils.