Islands welcome Smith Commission devo findings
1 December 2014
The leaders of Scotland’s three Islands Councils have welcomed the findings of the Smith Commission as a major landmark for the Our Islands Our Future campaign.
The commission was set up following the independence referendum.
Its recommendations will form the basis of legislation on more powers for Scotland.
Through Our Islands Our Future, the councils in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles are working together to achieve a further devolution of powers to the islands they represent.
Their shared aim is greater control over decisions that affect island communities – and an enhanced ability to develop their local economies for the benefit of the people the councils serve.
In his report, Lord Smith says: “There is a strong desire to see the principle of devolution extended further, with the transfer of powers from Holyrood to local communities.
“The Scottish Government should work with the Parliament, civic Scotland and local authorities to set out ways in which local areas can benefit from the powers of the Scottish Parliament.”
Lord Smith says responsibility for the management of the Crown Estate’s economic assets in Scotland – including the seabed and foreshore – should be transferred to the Scottish Parliament.
“Following this transfer, responsibility for the management of those assets will
be further devolved to local authority areas such as Orkney, Shetland, Na h-
Orkney Islands Council Convener Steven Heddle said: “This is a major achievement for the campaign, with the island authorities the only councils referenced by name in Lord Smith’s report. Devolution of the Crown Estate’s assets will give us the ability to ensure development in our waters is sustainable and delivers the maximum benefits for our communities.
“This has been a good week for Our Islands Our Future. Today’s announcement follows the appointment of Scotland’s first Minister for the Islands – another of our aspirations. Our joint campaign is clearly making a difference for the three island communities, and adds value to the extensive lobbying we carry out individually.”
Angus Campbell, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: “The recommendations on
the Crown Estate are historic and very welcome indeed. The Comhairle has long made
the case that Crown Estate revenues should be retained in Scotland and that local
communities should be the beneficiaries of income derived from sea-
“Indeed, this was a key aim of the OIOF campaign and was recognised by the Scottish Government in the Prospectus, Empowering Scotland's Island Communities, which set out an agreed way forward for Island authorities and the Scottish Government.
“The Commission's recommendations are a fundamental shift in the democratic structure of modern Scotland and recognise the wish for the further transfer of powers to local levels. This is a particularly welcome recommendation and I look forward to discussing the format and structures that will make this a reality.
“I would urge both the Scottish and UK Governments to enter into discussions immediately to implement this recommendation and we will be seeking a meeting with both Governments at an early stage to take forward those discussions.”