The first ever annual Islands Summit between the three island councils and the UK Government has been held in Shetland.
The summit in Lerwick – best know for its annual Viking festival – focussed on reviewing progress on key government policies connected to the northern and Western isles such as connections to the national grid, measures to address fuel poverty, and improving connectivity with mobile and internet services.
It also emerged the first ever Islands Oil and Gas forum is scheduled for next month.
The summit brought together officials from the UK Government; Shetland, Orkney and Na h-Eileanan an Iar, to build on commitments in the Framework for the Islands published last August.
It was preceded by a discussion with UK officials on how areas set to be devolved to the Scottish Government will impact on the islands.
Scottish Secretary and Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael, said: “I’m delighted at the progress that has been made to ensure the interests of the Scottish islands areas are ingrained in UK Government policy.
“In partnership with the islands councils, we have agreement on the first set of guidelines that aims to ensure that the unique circumstances of the islands are reflected in UK Government policy across a number of key areas including energy and welfare.
“I’m also pleased to confirm the first ever Islands Oil and Gas forum will take place next month. This builds on the positive announcements for the oil and gas sector in yesterday’s Budget and will focus on issues affecting island communities such as community benefit and decommissioning.”
On behalf of the Our Islands, Our Future campaign, Shetland Islands Council leader Gary Robinson, said: “This will be an important mechanism in the years ahead to allow the three islands to regularly meet with the Secretary of State for Scotland, along with key civil servants, to monitor progress against the Framework for the Islands which was agreed last August.
“We’re pleased with the progress we’ve made with the UK government, even over this short period of time, and it’s extremely important we maintain the momentum we’ve generated beyond May’s general election.”