A COUNCILLOR who is a long-term advocate of more powers for Shetland has welcomed members of the Scottish Green party voting to support autonomy for the isles. Duncan Anderson, who represents the North Isles, said it was positive to see a “mainstream political party”.
A GRASSROOTS group pushing for greater autonomy for Shetland says it is gaining momentum ahead of its first meeting next month. Shetland Autonomy Action Team started as a Facebook page in late 2020 but in recent months activity has picked up. It comes after councillors voted to.
THE NEW convener of Shetland Islands Council says continuing to explore options for self-determination is something that elected members should “certainly” be looking at. Andrea Manson, who was a supporter of dormant autonomy group Wir Shetland, said the issue is.
Being a Shetlander and a Scot: Some Reflections on the Election
The SNP came closer than anyone expected to victory in Shetland. 806 votes separated Beatrice Wishart, of Shetland’s traditionally preferred Liberal Democrats, and Tom Wills. As surprising as the result is in terms of the numbers, the biggest shock is more fundamental: Shetlanders were willing to vote for the party of Scottish identity. This remarkable among a community who famously reject that nationality: ‘I’m Shetland, not Scottish’ is a familiar theme for someone raised in the isles. This begs a few questions I’ve been reflecting on. Why does Shetland resist Scottishness, what is changing, and what can be done to include Shetland in Scotland’s progressive nationalism?