Iain Stewart MP the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland has been visiting Shetland, meeting with representatives from local businesses and industry as well as Shetland Islands Council.
The Council has been engaging with both the UK and Scottish governments over the past few months, highlighting the unique opportunities available in the islands for inward investment, and the challenges facing the community here – around issues such as digital connectivity, an ageing ferry fleet and fixed links, and fuel poverty.
The Minister headed north to visit the Orion project, SaxaVord Spaceport, Shetland Reel distillery and Cooke Aquaculture in Uyeasound, and met with local political leaders.
Council Leader Steven Coutts: “This was a welcome opportunity to showcase the economic opportunities here in Shetland.
“We had the chance to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing our community at the moment, including the increasing impact of rising energy costs, the importance of a just transition from oil and gas to Net Zero, as well as the broader challenges of living and doing business in the isles.
“We look forward to continuing our constructive discussions with the UK government on these and other issues, with the aim of delivering on our ambitions for the Shetland community.”