Shetland Islands Council votes to explore breakaway from SNP-run Scotland

Shetland Islands Council has voted to explore ways of achieving financial and political self-determination.

Councillors exasperated by centralisation under the devolved SNP government in Edinburgh decided on Wednesday by 18 votes to 2 to back the move. A Shetland Islands referendum is envisaged.

The democratic decision by Shetland Islands councillors adds another layer of complexity to the Scottish independence debate. It will be interesting to see how the SNP government in Edinburgh responds to a campaign for self-determination that could break up Scotland. Will Nicola Sturgeon allow the Shetland Islands a referendum? Who will set the question?

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