Orkney’s potential showcased to ministers

Orkney’s unique strengths and challenges were highlighted to ministers from across the UK this week as the Islands Council welcomed three elected representatives to the county.

Tuesday saw Orkney Islands Council Leader James Stockan meet with MP Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Minister for Energy, Clean Growth and Climate Change at the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 8 January 2021 and David Duguid MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Scotland Office.

Later that day, MSP Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, met with Councillor Stockan while on a visit to the islands.

And on Wednesday (11 August), Councillor Stockan met with MSP Graeme Dey, who was appointed Minister for Transport in May 2021.

Councillor Stockan said each of the meetings provided an opportunity to introduce ministers to the potentials and challenges for Orkney within their respective portfolios.

“These are all ministers who are relatively new to their post,” he said. “The main aim of these meetings was to build relationships and familiarise them with Orkney – with the unique blend of expertise, innovation and determination we can bring to the table for important issues such as climate change and zero carbon work - and equally the challenges we face as a remote community in scaling up to meet that potential and delivering services to our communities.

“I have had very constructive and positive discussions on the critical issues affecting our community with each of the ministers in respect of their individual portfolios, including air and ferry transport, energy, connectivity, funding, climate change and future innovative projects.

“I am very grateful for their visits during what continues to be a challenging time, and our meetings have laid the foundations for open, effective and constructive dialogue on issues of importance to the county in coming months.”