Thank you for sending me the SIF manifesto for the European elections.

The SNP are standing in these elections focused on protecting jobs across Scotland and promoting economic recovery.  The EU will play an important role in turning the economy around and it is important that Scotland has strong voices in the European Parliament arguing from a Scottish perspective.  Scotland's islands face particular challenges in the current economic circumstances - but we also believe that they offer unique opportunities which will help Scotland and indeed the wider EU recover.  Our islands, for example, have immense potential in the field of renewable energy and we believe that Scotland can become a global leader in developing these new technologies.

With regard to your specific questions:

1.      Island Affairs Committee:  The SNP recognises that an integrated approach to island affairs would be beneficial for Scotland’s isles and can accordingly support calls for an Islands Inter-service Group.

2.      Island economy:  The SNP understands the peculiar needs of island economies.  In Government, the SNP makes available through its LEADER programme grants to micro or small businesses in Scotland’s islands and aims to encourage innovation.  In the European Parliament we will ensure that the needs of island economies are fully taken into consideration.


3.      Shipping sector:  The SNP recognises that expensive transport costs to our islands have a negative effect on, not just island economies, but also on the national economy.  It is for this reason that the Scottish Government introduced the RET pilot for the Western Isles in October 2008 and we want this test case to pave the way for cheaper fares for all our island communities.

4.      Traditional island fisheries activities:  The CFP has been a complete failure and, as the European Commission embarks on a whole scale reform of European fisheries policy, the SNP is committed to returning fisheries management powers to Scotland.  The Scottish Government has established the Scottish Fisheries Council in order to cooperate fully with the key stakeholders in management decision and is rolling out Inshore Fisheries Groups to ensure inshore fishing voices are heard.  Our MEPs will work with the Government ensure the necessary reforms are brought about to adequately address our islands’ needs.


5.      Protection of island communities:  The current economic situation is affecting communities across Scotland and our island communities undoubtedly feel particular pains.  The SNP are standing in these elections with a pledge to protect jobs and promote economic recovery – and Scotland’s island communities will play a key roll in achieving success for the nation.

6.      Sustainable tourism:  The SNP fully recognises the need to sustain permanent island populations and we believe that together we’ve got what it takes to ensure year-round culturally and economically viable island communities.


7.      Islands and global warming:  The Scottish Government has taken an international lead in tackling climate change, introducing the most ambitious climate change legislation in the world.  The Scottish Government currently is committed to a 34% reduction in carbon emissions by 2020 (compared with the EU’s 20% target) which will rise to 42% should the EU agree to increased targets at Copenhagen.  In the European Parliament, the SNP will work with colleagues from around Europe to campaign for the higher targets.

8.      Protection of the marine environment:  The marine environment is high on the political agenda.  The EU has recently adopted a Marine Strategy Framework Directive aimed at the protection of the marine environment across Europe.  At the national level, the Scottish Government has proposed a Marine Bill which will establish new Marine Planning Partnerships to involve local agencies, communities and stakeholders.  The SNP in Europe and in government are committed to involving Scotland’s island communities in marine management.


9.      Islands as pilot projects:  Island communities do indeed have to innovate – at a time when our economy as a whole must adapt to new challenges.  We believe that Scotland is well placed to meet the challenges – and that we can become the economic powerhouse of Europe.  In capturing Scotland’s full potential from our abundant wave and wind resources, for example, Scotland’s islands will play a central role.  The SNP is fully committed to using our islands’ unique potentials to pave the way for future development.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further queries.

Best wishes,

Ian Hudghton MEP
President, Scottish National Party