Press Release
Convener visits Faroe Islands
The conveners from Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles were in the Faroe Islands this week to take part in the North Atlantic Island Summit.
They met to discuss issues that affect each of the North Atlantic islands including; sustainable fisheries, renewable energy sources and high speed broadband and digital connections. The aim of the summit was to encourage more co-operation between the island societies, both in commercial and cultural matters in the years ahead.
Shetland Islands Council convener Sandy Cluness said:
“It is always a pleasure to meet up with our closest island neighbours to share ideas on how we can sustain our remote communities into the future. It is important that we have the opportunity to learn from each other and work more closely together on issues that affect us all.
“During our time in Faroe, the three conveners also stressed the need for improved sea and air services. Importantly, the Faroese government were asked to reconsider adding Lerwick to the Norrona’s summer timetable. Further discussions are also to be held with Loganair and Atlantic Airways to assess the possibility of expanding services to provide better links between the islands”.
Also on their itinerary were visits to see fisheries, Faroese Telecom and Energy and a brand new school in Argjahamri in Torshaven. The school opened last week and can accommodate 500 primary and lower secondary children. It is the most modern in the Faroe Islands, with energy saving technology incorporated into the design.
On Sunday, convener Cluness joined the Orkney convener Stephen Hagan at the memorial service at Svinoy for the Orcadian sailors lost in 1786. 20 crew members of the Stromness seal catcher “Rachel” were killed when their ship wrecked off the island of Svinoy on 27 November 1786. Over 200 Faroese attended the ceremony to unveil a memorial plague.
