The three Island Councils of Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles are seeking early meetings with the new Secretary of State for Scotland to seek reassurances on the commitments of the previous government for more powers for the island authorities.
Although the previous agreements on their Our Islands Our Future campaign for greater responsibilities were with the Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition government, the three councils expect commitments to be honoured by the new Conservative Government.
Western Isles leader Angus Campbell, said: ""We welcome the appointment of David Mundell as Secretary of State for Scotland, having worked productively with him in the past, and look forward to doing so in the future.
"We did the groundwork previously with the UK Government and although there has been a change in Government we would expect them to continue along similar lines with regard to Our Islands Our Future (OIOF). It is good to hear the Prime Minister say that the Smith Commission recommendations, arising from the 'Vow', will be honoured in full. From the Islands point of view that is important as one of the key recommendations is the transfer of revenues and management of the Crown Estate to the Scottish Government and, as agreed by Scottish Government, onwards to local coastal communities, one of the key aims of the OIOF campaign. Hopefully there may be additional powers for Scotland as argued for by the islands Councils in their submission to the Smith Commission".
The councils continue to meet to the Scottish Government on a regular basis in taking forward discussions on OIOF and hope to meet Mr Mundell in the near future.
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