A CONFERENCE exploring ways in which Shetland could become more autonomous is to take place later this year.
Former Shetland Islands councillor James Paton is the main organiser according to the Shetland News, and said that 2024 could be an important year for Shetland autonomy.
“Given this is a major political year with a General Election, we need to get an agreed practical and detailed position on Shetland autonomy,” Paton told the news site.
“The conference would inform the Shetland Islands Council to act, and push the MP to seek to get amendments to the Zetland County Council Act of Parliament (1974).
“This will beg questions of all the political parties, and their manifestos, as to what practically they intend to do to give Shetland greater freedoms and flexibilities to ensure a sustainable future for the islands.”
The passing of the Islands Act (Scotland) 2018, which allows for local authorities to make additional powers requests, has bolstered the case for autonomy in Shetland.
The Scottish Greens also announced at their party conference last year that they support devolution in Shetland in the event of Scottish independence.
On September 9, 2020, Shetland council voted 18-2 (with two members absent) to support a motion to explore ways to achieve “financial and political self-determination" for the islands.
The self-governing Faroe Islands, which are part of Denmark, have been cited by some as a blueprint for a future autonomous Shetland.
The Faroe Islands have a population of 53,000 and have control over energy, environment, taxation, trade and education, as well as the management of fisheries and natural resources.
The islands have their own elected assembly and a government, currently led by Prime Minister Aksel V Johannesen.
The two-day event will take place at the Brae Hall on 20 and 21 April .
