OIC take part in islands meeting in Bute
Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and the Islands chaired the meeting, with the leaders, chief executives, and officers of Scotland’s three island councils and representatives from Argyll and Bute Council all in attendance.
Kevin Stewart, Minister for Local Government and Housing and Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy, and representatives from Highland and North Ayrshire Council also participated by teleconference.
Council convener Steven Heddle said: “This was a productive meeting and demonstrated the continuing good spirit of engagement with the Scottish Government through this Ministerial Group.
“We welcome Scottish Government’s assistance in helping make the UK Government recognise the importance of renewables to the islands’ economies, and in particular the need for a support mechanism for our abundant and efficient marine and island wind resources to overcome crippling and unfair transmission charges.
“We discussed the forthcoming Islands Bill in some detail, and are pleased to see island proofing starting to take place in practice, even before it is legislated for, as we look towards the Social Enterprise Strategy Action Plan, Planning Reform Legislation and the Scottish Energy Efficiency Scheme. We also look forward to working with Scottish Government in relation to addressing fuel poverty and specific issues surrounding pre-payment meters.
He added: “The discussions around powers for island councils in the Bill were constructive, as we continue to stress our case for flexibility and empowerment to develop our economies and support our communities and rich cultures. We welcome the Minister’s support for working together towards implementing these proposals. I believe this is the most significant piece of legislation for islands since 1974, and that we share a common purpose that it should be substantial and a logical consequence of the Lerwick Declaration made in 2013.”
The next meeting of the strategic group is set to be held in February or March 2017.