Islands make submission to Smith Commission 6/11/14
The Our Islands Our Future campaign has submitted its views on the devolution of more powers to Scotland to the Smith Commission set up to pave the way for to devolve further powers for the Scottish Parliament.
Shetland, Orkney and Western Isles councils seek more control for island areas.
The OIOF submission asks that the Smith Commission supports its critical objective of onwards devolution of power from London and Edinburgh to the Scottish islands.
Cllr Steven Heddle, convener of Orkney Islands Council, speaking on behalf of Our Islands Our Future, said: “The OIOF campaign has always been of the view that more powers for island areas will benefit our communities and enable us to compete on a level playing field.
“There is an opportunity now for the Smith Commission to back the principles of the campaign and ensure that the devolution of more powers to Scotland is an ongoing process which will result in more powers for Island areas in such crucial areas as Crown Estate revenues, grid connections, fisheries and oil and gas development.”
The three leaders of the island councils are seeking an opportunity to directly address the Smith Commission given the particular challenges facing island areas and the opportunities afforded by further devolution of powers to Scotland.