DISTRICT NEWS
As well as tourism potential and population retention, one of the important topics for discussion was Norway’s interest in the ScotWind Offshore Wind Leasing Round where a major Norwegian developer has shown interest in sites around the Outer Hebrides.
The Ambassador was interested to hear of the early engagement which has taken place between the comhairle and the Norwegian company. In particular, he was pleased to learn of the comhairle’s memorandum of understanding approach where the developer commits to a range of innovative and transformational investments across the island supply chain and community.
Commenting on this aspect of the visit, comhairle leader Roddie Mackay said: ‘There is a clear affinity between the maritime communities of Norway and the Outer Hebrides.
‘Both rely on fishing and tourism and both face transformational opportunities through the energy transition. Ambassador Strømmen, his government and his energy sector will be powerful partners for the Outer Hebrides as together we embrace the green revolution in the North Atlantic.’
Na h-Eileanan an Iar MSP Alasdair Allan also met with the ambassador during his visit and commented: ‘It was a pleasure to meet with the Norwegian ambassador in Lewis during his visit to the Western Isles. It was also a chance to meet up with some of the island’s small Norwegian community. Norway and Scotland are alike in many ways, as the ambassador observed, and I was delighted to discuss issues relating to the culture and economy of the Western Isles with Mr and Mrs Strømmen.’