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Call for Shetland to be independent

Shetland Islands Council
Shetland Islands Council

A new campaign has been launched to promote independence for Shetland.

It has been started by pensioner Stuart Hill who claims the referendum next month is illegal because the islands are not part of Scotland.

The allegation has been refuted by SNP ministers who said the historic ballot on September 18 was legal in all parts of Scotland.

But Mr Hill, of Bard View, Ocraquoy, Cunningsburgh has been to court three times to challenge the authority of the state and sent a Freedom of Information request to both governments asking for proof that Shetland is part of the UK.

He said: “Before we decide where to go, we need to be sure where we are now.

“The Scottish and UK governments have spent centuries making Shetlanders believe that Shetland is part of Scotland, but when asked for proof in court, they have none.

“The question has never been tested in the courts, so there is no case law for lawyers to rely on.

“If there is no legal proof, the Scottish independence referendum is not only irrelevant to Shetland, it is illegal here.”

Mr Hill said the new online campaign website – www.voteshetland.org – would enable people to raise a question of public concern and could become the subject of a referendum if there is enough support.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Shetland is a valued part of Scotland, and the referendum is legal in all parts of Scotland as enshrined in the Edinburgh Agreement.”