SIC to press on promises regardless of referendum result

Whatever the result of the referendum election, the SIC will press on with making sure respective governments in Edinburgh and Westminster hold good to their commitments as a result of the Our Islands Our Future campaign.

According to SIC political leader Gary Robinson there is a need for urgency in implementing the offers made by the two governments.

While some of the Scottish government’s commitments – such as redistributing Crown Estate revenue within the islands – depend on a “yes” outcome, there are still commitments that can be implemented now.

Mr Robinson said: “Our Islands Our Future fleshed out what both governments are prepared to offer us. It will be a case of engaging with both governments after the referendum.

“In the case of a yes vote it will be 2016 before anything changes. Whatever the outcome it is very clear that there are things that both governments can deliver for us now, and we will put pressure on both of them to fulfil their promises.

“Regardless of the outcome we have work to do in ensuring that this happens immediately.”

Westminster offered the Scottish islands more say in policy-making following a no vote in the referendum as the core of its 10-point Our Islands Framework

According to Westminster an islands desk with an isles delegate in the Scotland Office in London, plus special representation in Brussels would “island-proof” legislation to make sure it fits island priorities.

In addition to allocating 100 per cent of the net income from the islands’ sea bed leasing revenues to island communities, in the event of independence, the

Scottish government offers legislative changes such as an Islands Act to make government decision making “island-proof” and creating a post of “Minister for island communities”.

It has also offered to ensure island communities have stronger representation in Europe as well as the establishment of Island Innovation Zones