Dear All,
Just for your interest, the Press Data Bureau has passed on the following:
European Union Redefines "Island"
Scotland could be deprived of islands due to "barmy" legislation.
21 Jan 2003
The European Union wishes to clarify exactly what constitutes an "island",
according to reports from Brussels.
There are fears that European money will be reduced in some areas if they
lose island status. The Scottish Executive said that the government was not
sure where the proposals originated from and reassured the public that no
changes would be made to island funding.
The proposals outline four conditions for an "island". The land must have
more than 50 permanent residents, must not be connected to the mainland by a
permanent structure, must be more than a kilometre from the mainland and
must not contain the capital of an EU state.
Reports yesterday said Skye, Bute, Rum and Muck would not qualify.
"If Rum is not an island then I challenge the official who thinks this to
walk there. I will follow in my boat, and I might consider picking him up -
if the mood takes me," said John Farquhar Munro, MSP for the area.
Never let the reliable information you ask for and are given stand in the
way of a good story!
Maureen.
Eurodesk UK / ERC
Rosebery House
9 Haymarket Terrace
Edinburgh
EH12 5EZ
Tel. 0131 313 2488
Fax. 0131 313 6800
|