July 3, 2023
Updated 44 minutes ago
Image source: Getty Images
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There have been calls for the Orkney Islands to become part of Norway
Orkney Islands councilors have voted to explore alternative methods of government despite being deeply frustrated with the funding and the possibilities.
Council leader James Stockan said the island had been “oppressed” and accused the Scottish and UK governments of discrimination.
His application sparked speculation in the media that Orkney could leave the UK or become a self-governing territory of Norway.
It was supported by 15 votes to six.
It means council officials have been asked to release a report on government options to the Orkney Islands chief executive.
This also includes looking at the “Northern connections” of the archipelago and the Crown territories such as Jersey and Guernsey.
Another amendment, reviving a constitutional reform advisory group for the islands, was passed without a vote.
On Monday, the prime minister’s spokesman rejected a suggestion that the islands could loosen their ties with the union.
Mr Stockan called on councilors to support his idea of finding new ways to offer Orcadians greater financial security and economic opportunity.
In a speech to city councilors on Tuesday, he said the motion “is not about us joining Norway”.
He added: “I say it’s time the government took us seriously and I say it’s time we looked at all the options we have.”
“There’s a far wider range of options here – it could even be that we could get our money straight from the Treasury in London and take care of our own future.”
“We have been oppressed and we all know most of what I could say today regarding government discrimination against this community. We all know how much less we get compared to other archipelagos.”
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Council leader James Stockan says Orkney is not getting fair funding in the UK
While councilors wanted a “stronger voice”, they did not support full independence for the Orkney Islands.
Currently, most of the island’s 21 councilors sit as independents – two are Greens.
Mr Stockan said an aging ferry fleet is among the problems facing islanders.
He had previously told the BBC the situation was “critical” because ferries, which predate the Western Isles fleet, were beginning to break down.
His concerns were broadly shared by other council members, but some raised problems with self-government, such as the cost of conducting such investigations.
Cllr Steven Heddle also mentioned disadvantages, including the need to repurchase the seabed and tuition fees for students wanting to study in Scotland.
He described Mr Stockan’s efforts as “politics of displeasure” and said every local councilor felt mistreated. He pointed to Edinburgh’s roads being “worse” than those in the Orkneys, despite the council having far more resources.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s official spokesman said: “First, there is no mechanism for the granting of Crown Dependency or Overseas Territory status to any part of the UK.”
“We have no plans to change the decentralization agreement. We are supporting Orkney with £50m to increase the economic prosperity of the Scottish islands through the Isles Agreement.”
“But the Government’s position is that the UK is stronger together.”
Orkney was previously under Norwegian and Danish control until becoming part of Scotland in 1472.
The islands served as security for the dowry of Margaret of Denmark, future wife of King James III. from Scotland.
The Scottish Government said Orkney Islands Council would receive £89.7m to fund services over the period 2023-2024, with an additional £4.6m from a 10% increase in Council Tax.
A spokesman added that it was “committed to supporting the island communities”.
The Norwegian government declined to comment on the proposals.