Orkney considers leaving UK and possibility of becoming a self-governing territory of Norway

A motion will go before Orkney council next week to investigate "alternative forms of governance". One such option could be to seek to become a self-governing territory of Norway. In doing so they will be looking at the model of the Faroe Islands, which is a self-governing territory of Denmark. Council leader James Stockan said Orkney does not get fair funding with its current relationship within the UK. In doing so supporters of the idea have pointed to the historical cultural relationship with Nordic countries. Some are also critical of the lack of funding provided at the present time by the Scottish government. In any future independent Scotland they will be seeking better terms.

Orkney was previously been held under Norwegian and Danish control until it became part of Scotland in 1472. Orkney was part of the Norse kingdom for much longer than they have been part of the United Kingdom. Other options that Orkney is being urged to consider is the British Crown Dependencies and self governing status model of the Isle of Man. An island that itself was part of the Norse - Gael Kingdom of Mann and the Isles. However, there are many in the Isle of Man who point to seeking their own full independence as presenting the best economic way forward for the Manx people.

Image: Flag of Orkney