Orkney Islands Council is set to explore its “Nordic connections” as it discusses alternative forms of governance that could see the islands’ legal status change. Council leader James Stockan has put forward a motion that says it is time for Orkney to consider other forms of governance, which could provide more economic opportunity.
It suggests this could include looking at crown dependencies such as Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man. “Nordic connections” are also suggested, with a report going before a council meeting this week mentioning the Faroe Islands – a self-governing territory of Denmark in the North Sea.
The council leader’s motion does not commit the council to any of these options and the officials’ report notes that any constitutional change would likely require a combination of petitions, referenda and legislation at Holyrood and Westminster. Mr Stockan told the BBC he felt that Orkney is being “failed dreadfully” by governments in both Edinburgh and London.
