Photo M Bell

Stromness, Orkney is to host the important Scotland/Arctic Conference.

The event on Monday 23rd of September will take place at Orkney Research and Innovation Campus (ORIC), Stromness from 11am – 3pm.

It is free to attend and you can register here: Scotland Arctic Policy

The day will see the launch of the Scottish Government’s first Arctic Policy Framework (APF) with a range of speakers.

The Scottish Government’s first Arctic Policy Framework (APF) illustrates existing Scottish-Arctic links, showcases Scottish expertise that is relevant to Arctic issues and sets out how Scotland can pursue even greater cooperation and mutual learning with Arctic partners going forward.

The keynote speaker is the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs in the Scottish Government, Fiona Hyslop.

Other speakers include:

• Janette Park, Stromness Museum
• Professor Ted Cowan, University of Glasgow
• David Reid, Arctic Return Expedition
• Richard Smith, Arctic Return Expedition
• Thomas Knowles, Historic Environment Scotland
• Sara Mair Bellshaw, Centre for Recreation and Tourism Research
• Kirsty Mijnhijmer, Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme

James Stockan, Leader of Orkney Islands Council is delighted that the launch of the Arctic Policy Framework will take place in Orkney. He said:

“Our islands have much to contribute to this on many fronts.

“World leading research and development in renewable energy and hydrogen generation is taking place in Orkney – and in Scapa Flow, our internationally famous natural harbour, we have an asset of major strategic importance to Scotland.

“We are determined to play our part in contributing to the future prosperity of other communities as well as our own. The launch event will be an important milestone in taking this forward.”

Organising the event is a collaboration between the Scottish Government, Orkney Islands Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

The Orkney News will have a full report from the event.

Reporter: Fiona Grahame