Orkney and Shetland have been chosen as two of 31 innovation locations in the UK, to conduct three-month feasibility studies examining how to overcome some of the key non-technical barriers that are holding back efforts to reach net zero targets in their area.

An agreement to invest £100 million in the future economic prosperity of Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides was signed today (20th January) in Orkney by UK and Scottish Government Ministers and the Council Leaders of the three island groups.

Mussel Farming, Sustainable Green Jobs, and Low Carbon Fuels all feature in latest Islands Growth Deal Business Cases.

The Islands’ Growth Deal Joint Committee, which will oversee the Growth Deal, and which consists of two elected representatives from each of the island Councils, met at the close of 2021 and approved the submission of Outline Business Cases for a further four Islands Growth Deal projects to UK and Scottish Governments.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland Islands Councils have taken a significant step forward in joint working on the Islands Growth Deal, which aims to draw down £100m in UK and Scottish Government funding over the next decade, and to lever in over £200m in match funding to the islands.

The Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) has launched a novel partnership with Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles Councils and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), focussed on identifying how Scottish Government’s Islands Plan can benefit island communities. 

The research will investigate the changing relationship between local authorities and governments in Holyrood and Westminster through the implementation of the plan, with a view to understanding how communities can be empowered and engaged in delivering better outcomes and individual wellbeing.