Mull energy conference – islanders and visitors invited

A major conference entitled Resilience and Innovation: the Islands’ Challenge, is being held on the Isle of Mull later this month.

The Scottish Islands Federation (SIF) has lined up an impressive list of speakers from islands all around Europe, with Alyn Smith MEP chairing a panel discussion and local MSP, Michael Russell attending.

It will be Craignure Hall, near the ferry terminal from Oban, on Friday 21st of September.

Crucial issues such as available grid connection and EU policy for islands are among the topics for debate – and cutting edge developments in the use of marine algae as a fuel source are on the agenda.

Community Energy Scotland is facilitating two workshops and the panel discussion will be chaired by Alyn Smith MEP.

Sandy Brunton, Chair of the Scottish Islands Federation, says: ‘This important conference will follow on from the annual meeting of the European Small Islands Network, which we are hosting on Mull the previous day.

‘Delegates will also be able to learn how islanders from Ireland, Denmark, Sweden and Finland take advantage of the natural resources available to them.

‘The conference comes at a crucial time when island resilience comes under increasing pressure with power supply companies planning to increase their prices by nearly 10% very soon’.

The conference has been timed to coordinate with ferry times so that day delegates can catch the 07.45 ferry from Oban and return on the 17.00 from Craignure.

Spaces are limited so islanders wishing to attend – and SIF really want to see you there – should register here at the Scottish Islands Federation website or email Camille at contact@scottish-islands-federation.co.uk

There is no charge for attending the day, because there is financial support from Argyll and the Islands Leader funding.

There are also a limited number of bursaries to help with travel costs for those coming from distant islands. Email Camilla as above for information on these.

Note: The Scottish Islands Federation was set up in 2008 to assist island organisations and individuals to express their unique points of views, share their stories and make better representations at local, regional, national and European level, on all issues affecting the sustainability of the Scottish islands.