Pledge for new Arctic strategy following first conference of its kind in UK

An Arctic forum offered a chance for cooperation between northern nations, writes Chris Mccall

The Scottish Government has pledged to push forward with a new Arctic strategy at the closing session of a two-day conference held in Edinburgh this week.

The Arctic Forum, the first of its kind to be held in the UK, brought together policy makers, academics, business leaders and others interested in the future of the Arctic region. External affairs secretary Fiona Hyslop said it was important for Scotland to work with its northern neighbours given the threat of a so-called hard Brexit.

“Scotland is the closest neighbour to the Arctic States and we have many shared interests and challenges, from renewable energy and climate change targets to social policies and improving connectivity,” she said.

“With the threat of a hard Brexit still possible, it is important we continue to work with our northern neighbours to build strong relationships. Our involvement with the Arctic Circle organisation is an excellent opportunity to do this.

“The forum has given us plenty of scope to identify policy links and there has been a lot of interest in our policies and practices in Scotland. As a result I am pleased to announce we will develop an Arctic Strategy for Scotland.

“There is growing global interest in Arctic issues and our new strategy will highlight Scotland’s role in both contributing to the flourishing of Arctic regions and benefiting from the exciting opportunities which are opening up now and in the future.”

Former President of Iceland and Arctic Circle Chairman Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson said:

“The new Arctic neighbourhood needs Scotland. Climate change is the most pressing issue of our time. In addressing it, it’s important that Scotland’s expertise is involved. The economic future of Scotland can in turn benefit from new opportunities in air and sea transport and the development of marine and tourism links.”

“Whatever Scotland’s constitutional position, you can enter the Arctic discussion in a full and inclusive way. The new Arctic neighbourhood needs Scotland, and the development of a formal Arctic policy indicates the Scottish Government is beginning to prioritise this engagement.”

0 Fiona Hyslop has Arctic ambitions