Boris Johnson was given a far from warm welcome as he arrived in Orkney today on his first visit to Scotland since December’s general election.
The Prime Minister arrived in Kirkwall before heading to the first of several engagements that included visiting businesses hit by Covid-19, those working in green energy and military personnel.
A small group of protesters gathered on the road to Stromness wearing masks and holding signs with slogans including “Hands off Scotland” and “Our Scotland, our future”.
An “Indy Ref Now” placard was seen on the side of a van whilst saltires and the flag of Orkney were also flown to the sound of “boos”.
Ian Blackford, Westminster leader for the SNP, made his views clear that Mr Johnson was not welcome in Scotland.
He tweeted: “As the PM deems it worthwhile to grace us with his presence it illustrates the issue of a politician which Scotland hasn’t voted for, inflicting policies on us which we don’t want.
“Scotland has many questions for the PM, I hope he is brave enough to answer them.”
Speaking to the BBC, Mr Johnson said the £100 million growth deal from the UK and Scottish Government announced for the Northern and Western Isles is “a real opportunity for people here to get some funding to increase what they are already doing, amazing new green technology”.
He added: “What you have seen throughout this crisis is the union working together with money for supporting people through furlough, the Army working on the testing, moving people around.
“But now what you want to do is build back better together with a green recovery and here in Orkney they are streets ahead on hydrogen technology, on green technology.
“Around Orkney they could supply 25% of the UK’s energy needs if they had the infrastructure to go with it so we’re looking at ways to support the council here, to support local leaders in their ambitions.”
