Scotland: New law puts Shetland on the map

Under the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018, its position relative to the mainland will now have to be “accurately and proportionately” shown on maps produced by Scottish government bodies.

Shetlanders have said that maps portraying the archipelago as being closer to the mainland than it actually is misrepresents “logistical challenges” that islanders face.

Tavish Scott, MSP for Shetland, said: “There is no excuse now for the Scottish government, its agencies or others to put Shetland in a box.

“The box is closed. It doesn’t exist, whether that be in the Moray Firth or east of Orkney. Shetland is now in the right place.

“It is ridiculous that I had to change the law to make this happen, but so be it.”

Paul Wheelhouse, Scottish government minister for the Islands, said: “The Scottish islands have contributed and continue to contribute hugely to our culture and heritage and with this Act now starting to take force, will now have the opportunity to contribute even further to their own and our collective futures.

“They have very distinctive needs, so the act introduces a number of measures to ensure there is a sustained focus across government and the wider public sector to meet the needs of island communities now and in the future.

“On a more visual front, it ensures Shetland will no longer be ‘boxed off’ on maps, which has been a cause of irritation to those living in Shetland.”