Comments on: If you want to know what Devo Max is, just look at the Faroe Islands

By: James

James — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 08:48:16 +0000

I’m against it. Models of governance ≠ ways to exploit the environment.

By: Alec

Alec — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 22:43:57 +0000

Faeroe is an interesting model for Orkney and Shetland to consider in light of the centralising tendency of the present Scottish Government,

A deliciously sublime comment. I also would like to ask any Green writer referring to the Faroes in favour what they think of whaling.

~alec

By: Alec

Alec — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 22:40:04 +0000

My constituency MSP, Rob Gibson recently bemoaned Westminster reluctance to allocate funds for the A9. Then it was observed that this was a Devolved matter.

(And, to forestall references to pre-1999 funding, there are large areas of England and Wales which are similarly unfunded.)

~alec

By: Richard

Richard — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 10:41:34 +0000

Faeroe is an interesting model for Orkney and Shetland to consider in light of the centralising tendency of the present Scottish Government, regardless of the outcome of the forthcoming referendum. Certainly if I look more prosaically and materialistically at how the respective governments (Danish UK/Scottish for clarity) treat their island colonies, I know whose rule I’d prefer. Clue – Kobenhavn anyone?

By: Duncan Macniven

Duncan Macniven — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 19:24:54 +0000

Just think if Westminster had pushed ahead with the A9/ A96/ A82 upgrading as they should have decades ago, we would enjoy better communications, commerce and employment. Or even Thatchers failure to financially support the gas gathering North Sea project. Instead they opted for investment in the S/E of the UK to engorge The City and the rest of the UK in particular Scotland had to suffer.

Just think what the money Iain Gray returned to The Treasury could have done for the A9?

Alex Salmond has simply expressed a wish to lower corporation tax, that is all any one can do. He has made no promises, if he has can you show us them?

The USA has 50 different tax regimes within it’s borders.

By: Duncan Hothersall (@dhothersall)

Duncan Hothersall (@dhothersall) — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 09:11:35 +0000

Interesting article! I’m a semi-regular visitor to the Faroes, with family there, and I certainly recognise the many parallels with parts of Scotland. The fishing links between places like Trongisvagur on Suduroy and the the fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife (where it is affectionately known as “Tranny” for obvious reasons) are centuries old.

While independence is a constant political rumble, the vast majority of opinion as I understand it from family and friends favours the devolved status quo that the islands currently enjoy.

Transport is a fundamental issue in the Faroes, and recent investment in incredible road tunnels between major islands has both transformed possibilities and cemented Danish ties. Billions of pounds were spent building these tunnels, all funded by the Danish state, and people recognise the impact and the benefit of that relationship.

It’s an absolutely beautiful place, by the way. I’d highly recommend a visit.