The debate over Scotland’s constitutional future represents a “huge opportunity” for Orkney and Shetland to negotiate a new deal to benefit islanders, it has been claimed.
MSPs Tavish Scott and Liam McArthur said voters were in a position to use the region’s vast natural resources as “leverage” to argue for powers that would sustain communities for generations to come.
The pair said voters could argue to leave an independent Scotland in the event of a yes vote in the autumn of 2014 and remain part of the UK.
Mr Scott and Mr McArthur said the SNP have historically recognised the Northern Isles’ right to their own self-determination – a principle supported by the Earl of Caithness, a Conservative peer and former UK Government minister.
The Liberal Democrat MSPs said the outcome could be Orkney and Shetland being granted enhanced constitutional and tax status within the UK – arrangements enjoyed by the Isle of Man and Channel Islands.
Mr Scott and Mr McArthur, who represent Shetland and Orkney, respectively, said there was an argument for the islands keeping revenue from oil and gas extracted from geographical waters which would be used to pay for public services to meet local need. The pair said any new arrangements could protect lifeline transportation services and ensure fishermen and farmers were given a good deal.
Mr Scott and Mr McArthur have launched a consultation to ask local people what powers they want for the Northern Isles.
In response to the UK Government’s consultation on Scotland’s future, the MSPs wrote: “Shetland and Orkney may never have a stronger opportunity to negotiate a future for the islands which can benefit the economy, culture and identity in the wider world for the advantage of future generations.
“Orkney and Shetland should establish their objectives as island communities in this period of constitutional upheaval and use their inherent advantages as leverage with both the UK and Scottish Governments.
“The risk for the islands is that the outcome of this referendum will be determined by the voters in Scotland’s central belt.”