Scottish Secretary to visit Western Isles

The new secretary of state for Scotland is to visit the Western Isles this week.

David Mundell will hold talks with the Comhairle over the Our Islands drive to obtain more powers for the islands.

He also hopes to tour two island businesses.

At the meeting on Thursday, the council will press the need for a speedy decision to install a sub-sea cable needed to export electricity generated from proposed island windfarms to mainland markets. Without the interconnector, hopes of building a renewable energy economy are at risk.

Also likely to be high on agenda is the UK government's axing of subsidies for onshore wind turbines - a move which may jeopardises community-owned schemes in the islands.

The long term arrangements for managing Crown Estate seabed assets are also expected to be raised.

David Mundell - the only Conservative MP in Scotland - is the first in his party to hold the role of Scottish secretary since Michael Forsyth in 1997.

New Scottish secretary to visit Western Isles

28 July 2015