Orkney wants ‘independence from Scotland’ after Brexit with vote to explore how it can look after its own affairs

ORKNEY is looking at how it can have control its own affairs after the Brexit vote including the possibility of independence from Scotland.

Councillors on the islands have passed a motion to compile a report on how it could have greater autonomy in the future if there are further constitutional changes.

The residents, who heavily backed Remain in the EU referendum and overwhelmingly favoured staying in the UK at the 2014 Scottish Independence vote, had been promised more powers.

And now more than half of their councillors have demanded an investigation into “exploring what engagement would be required” with the UK and Scottish governments on getting more autonomy.

Graham Sinclair, the independent councillor who drafted the motion, said: “I think the islands are more significantly different — both historically and culturally — from the rest of the country.

“It is a very preliminary shot. It is to consider whether there is the possibility of constitutional changes.”

He also said they may carry out an opinion poll asking residents how they would feel about getting more powers over their own affairs.

The Orkney islands,, together with Shetland, only came under control of the Kingdom of Scotland in 1468 and 1472 respectively – having historically been ruled by Norway.

The motion to compile the report, to be published in February, comes as a new poll indicated that support for Scottish independence is almost identical to the result of the referendum two years ago.

A survey by BMG found 45.5% would vote “yes”, but that almost two thirds of those asked were against holding a second referendum this year.