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David Ross Highland Correspondent <\/p>\n
In anticipation of the Scottish Parliament getting more powers even if the country votes no to inde- pendence, council leaders in the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland are looking to enhance their decision- making capacity. <\/p>\n
Leaders have been examining similar authorities on the Isle of Man and the Faroe Islands and are preparing a \"menu of interests\" to present to both the pro-independence and pro-union campaigns to establish which offers greater control of their own island affairs and resources. <\/p>\n
This document should be ready in the early summer. <\/p>\n
The three Independent-controlled councils will discuss their plans at the Convention of the Highlands and Islands in Lerwick today. <\/p>\n
Angus Campbell, leader of the Western Isles Council, said the local authority had long campaigned for the control of the sea bed to be devolved to a local level. <\/p>\n
He said: \"We would like to see which camp would help us solve that problem.\" <\/p>\n
However, he said one of the first demands would be that the three island authorities remain intact. <\/p>\n
Shetland Islands Council convener Malcolm Bell said: \"We are unique both culturally and geographically and our interests will be best served by local people taking local decisions at a local level.\" <\/p>\n
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Read more: <\/p>\n
Islands seek new powers after 2014<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Custom byline text: David Ross Highland Correspondent In anticipation of the Scottish Parliament getting more powers even if the country votes no to inde- pendence, council leaders in the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland are looking to enhance their decision- making capacity. Leaders have been examining similar authorities on the Isle of Man and the Faroe Islands and are preparing a \"menu of interests\" to present to both the pro-independence and pro-union campaigns to establish which offers greater control of their own island affairs and resources. This document should be ready in the early summer. Continue reading