Islands Forum ‘incredibly useful’ in making strong case to UK Government for Orkney ferry funding

Council Leader James Stockan has described the recent Islands Forum meeting as ‘incredibly useful’ - highlighting in particular his discussions with Michael Gove - Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities  -  around potential funding streams for Orkney’s internal ferry service.

Representatives of ten island groups attended the forum in the Isle of Wight last week.

This was the second meeting of the forum – with the inaugural meeting having taken place in Orkney in September last year.

The Islands Forum was established as part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda – and aims to ensure island communities are able to come together to discuss solutions to common challenges.  Council leaders and chief executives representing all eligible island communities across the UK are invited to take part, as well as ministers from the Scottish and Welsh governments and representatives from Northern Ireland.

Councillor Stockan, who attended the meeting alongside OIC Chief Executive Oliver Reid, said: “This week’s meeting was significant for Orkney as it afforded us the opportunity to talk directly to Michael Gove, to make a strong case for the UK Government to look at how they could make a contribution to funding for Orkney’s ageing ferry service. This could particularly come through Net-Zero funding streams - for which Orkney is a great fit, given our position at the forefront of renewable technologies.

“With the Scottish Government yet to commit to a further meeting of the Ferry Taskforce, this kind of interaction is invaluable as we look to tackle the challenges we face  - and secure the financial support we so badly need.

“In addition,  the discussions with other island leaders have been incredibly useful. With each opportunity we get to meet face to face, the group is becoming more cohesive, which is vital as we look to push Governments on those island issues that we share particular challenges on. Consequently we have assurances that island connectivity – whether that be physical or digital – will be at the centre of the agenda the next time around.”