Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has urged Scottish Ministers to ensure that measures intended to tackle fuel poverty fully address the needs of island areas, such as Orkney.  Speaking after a statement by the Cabinet Secretary, Alex Neil on the interim report from the government’s Fuel Poverty Forum, Mr McArthur said:

“Orkney has one of the highest rates of fuel poverty anywhere in the country.  There are many reasons for this, but tackling the problem will require a collaborative approach by government at all levels, energy companies and others.

“This is recognised by the Fuel Poverty Forum, which has produced an excellent interim report.  I am delighted that the Forum’s Chair, Professor David Sigsworth has accepted my invitation to visit Orkney in the summer to see first-hand what is being done locally and the challenges we face.

“Meantime, I welcome the Minister’s acceptance that these efforts are best co-ordinated at a local level, bringing together all the resources available.  This approach is working in Orkney and deserve on-going and increased support from Mr Neil and his colleagues.”