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Proposals for more power for the islands will be unveiled later this summer

Nicola Sturgeon said a consultation on plans for greater autonomy for island areas would be published this summer
Nicola Sturgeon said a consultation on plans for greater autonomy for island areas would be published this summer

Plans for more powers for Scottish islands councils will be unveiled later this summer.

Nicola Sturgeon said greater autonomy would be at the heart of a consultation to pave the way for a future Islands Bill.

Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles have formed an alliance seeking greater autonomy in order to boost their economies and cater for local needs.

The type of powers they are looking for include control of the sea bed, allowing revenues currently paid to the Crown Estate to be channelled into local needs; better grid connections to help exploited renewable energy resources; and new fiscal arrangements to allow the islands to benefit more directly from the harvesting of local resources.

The first minister announced the Scottish Government’s intentions to draw up new legislation at the Convention of the Highlands and Islands – which brings together local authorities and public sector bodies in the area – in Orkney yesterday.

She also confirmed there will be consultation across all of Scotland in due course on the long-term arrangements for the management of Crown Estate assets.

Ms Sturgeon said the islands were part of the “rich and diverse fabric” of the country and made a “significant contribution” to Scotland.

“We are bringing through the Community Empowerment Bill, which will enable communities to be more involved in local decision-making,” she said.

“The forthcoming consultation will build on this and empower our island communities – it’s the perfect opportunity for ideas to be shared and considered before any decision is made on their future.

“We need to fully understand the best way to promote the islands, harness their resources and enhance the wellbeing of the islands.”

Orkney Islands Council convener Steven Heddle said: “We are working with the councils in Shetland and the Western Isles to build a strong and prosperous future through a further devolution of powers to our communities.

“The introduction of a specific bill for the Islands – enshrining the greater empowerment we are seeking – is a key aim of the Our Islands Our Future campaign.

“So I welcome this announcement and the first minister’s commitment to greater autonomy for the islands.”