Every local authority area in Scotland – not least Orkney – voted to remain in the EU in 2016. Today, with the UK economy stagnant under Labour at Westminster, the negative impact of this country being made to end so many beneficial relationships with our European neighbours is all too clear.

Back in 2016 we in Scotland stood up for the values of equality, inclusivity and openness that the EU, at its best, represents, and for the continued economic cooperation and opportunities that EU membership provides.

Since then, however, successive Westminster governments have ignored Scotland’s voice, instead acting directly against the values that the people of Scotland backed.

The result has been barriers to trade, stifled business opportunities, and unnecessary hurdles for our European friends who want to live and work here – with the consequent negative impact on the workforce across the Highlands and Islands.

And new research from the Scottish Government has revealed an estimated £4 billion hit to trade for Scotland.

The economic damage of Brexit continues to be felt across the country, with billions of pounds lost in public revenue, making it harder to fund vital services like Scotland’s NHS.

And each and every one of us feels the effects as the price of household necessities, including many essential food items, being pushed up. It drains folks’ pockets and heightens the cost-of-living crisis as families struggle to make ends meet.

Little wonder that public support for Brexit has dropped to its lowest level ever – with only 30% of folk across Britain now believing that leaving the EU was the correct decision. Despite the significant damage that Brexit has done to Scotland’s businesses, public services and the economy, the UK Labour Government has ruled out re-joining the single market or the customs union.

We need to be clear on this – the only way for Scotland to re-join the European Union now is with independence.

Elsewhere, the Scottish Government announcement of £9 million funding for community energy generation and energy efficiency improvements will be of potential benefit to communities in Orkney.

The funding will help cut energy costs and support the development of locally-owned renewable energy projects, which can lead to significant opportunities for local investment.

This funding is building on the successful Community Energy Generation Growth Fund and will be used to scale up community energy projects as part of a drive to cut carbon emissions, create local jobs, reduce energy costs and stimulate local investment.

There is no clearer example than in these islands of the need for UK energy regulation to start reflecting the reality of the situation on the ground and create a pricing structure that slashes fuel poverty rates that should embarrass the UK Government.

Until Scotland has the power to do this – which would come with independence – funding for community energy is one way the Scottish Government can help communities like Orkney to help themselves.

This is a regular column by SNP MSP Emma Roddick. All Highlands and Islands MSPs have been offered the same space in The Orkney News to share their personal views.

#Brexit 5 Years On: Scotland’s Economy Hit by Trade Barriers