Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has called on incoming Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack to ensure the UK Government gives the go-ahead to the Islands Deal.

The islands MSP ensured that the Islands Deal was one of the first items on the new Secretary of State’s desk by writing to him urging to take forward a date for announcing the Deal.

Since 2017, the three Island Councils – Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Orkney Islands Council and Shetland Islands Council – have been working together to develop ambitious proposals to include within a Deal for the Islands. The proposals build on the unique strengths and world class assets of the islands groups and include specific and cross island proposals covering areas such as low carbon energy, tourism, housing and healthcare.

Alasdair Allan MSP earlier this year, along with Orkney MSP Liam McArthur and then Shetland MSP Tavish Scott, hosted a Scottish Parliament reception to make the case for the Islands Deal.

Alasdair Allan MSP commented:

“It’s important the new Secretary of State gives his urgent attention to bringing forward an announcement for the Islands Deal, especially in light of the recent approval of the Moray Growth Deal and given that an announcement from the UK Government was expected in Spring.

“The Scottish Government has confirmed its commitment to assist the three islands councils to work towards a deal for the islands. We now need a formal commitment on that from the UK Government.”