Orkney to discuss Scotland’s Future
16 Jun 2014 02:51 PM
Culture
and External Affairs Secretary to host question session in
Stromness.
Those who live,
work and study in Orkney will have a chance to quiz Culture and External
Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop about the government’s plans for
independence when she visits the islands next week.
The Cabinet
Secretary will host a public discussion at Stromness Community Centre on
Saturday June 21, from 13.00 - 14.30.
The free event
will give local people an opportunity to discuss the future the Scottish
Government has set out in detail in its white paper ‘Scotland’s
Future’ following a vote for independence in this September’s
historic referendum.
Next week’s
public discussion forms part of the First Minister Alex Salmond’s
commitment that between now and the referendum, people across Scotland will be
able to put their questions directly to him and his Cabinet
colleagues.
This will be the
fifth public meeting hosted by Ms Hyslop and is one of 40 sessions that have
been held by Scottish Ministers so far this year.
Ms Hyslop is keen
to hear as many views as possible and will answer questions from members of the
audience.
Speaking ahead of
the event, Fiona Hyslop said:
“Independence offers great opportunities for the
islands and I look forward to returning to Orkney to hear islanders’
views on Scotland’s Future.
“This is part of a series of Scotland-wide events which will see me and
my colleagues engage with people across the country about the successful,
wealthier and fairer future we can build following a vote for
independence.
“The
Scottish Government has already put forward its proposals for Scotland’s
future and demonstrated how the powers of independence can be used to build a
more prosperous and equal Scotland. It’s crucial that everyone who lives
and works in Scotland takes the time to consider and discuss with others the
sort of country they want Scotland to be in the future.
“Taking the
referendum conversation out to communities across Scotland provides an
opportunity for us to meet people from many different backgrounds and hear
their views on independence, as well as listening to their questions and
concerns.
“This is the
opportunity of a generation and we want to give as many people as possible the
chance to ask questions and air their views.
“I’m
asking the people of Orkney to come and have their say about the type of
Scotland they want in the future and I would encourage as many people as
possible to take a an hour or so next Saturday to come to Stromness Community
Centre, ask their questions and have their say.”
As well as the
formal Q&A session, Ms Hyslop will chat to audience members over tea and
coffee at the end of the event.
Attendance is free
but spaces are limited, so the Scottish Government has asked attendees to
register in advance, either online at: http://scotreferendum.com/events/ or by calling 0300 244
2114
Scotland’s
Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland is available at: www.scotreferendum.com
Notes To
Editors
Ms Hyslop will be
in Orkney from 20-22 June, 2014. As well as hosting a public question and
answer session about Scotland’s Future and attending events at the St
Magnus Festival, the Cabinet Secretary will undertake a range of cultural and
diplomatic engagements.