DELEGATES from island communities all over Europe are gathering in Orkney today for a conference to share ideas.

The two-day event will examine areas of common interest including clean energy for EU islands and sustainable transport. The conference is being held amid fears that Scottish islands could miss out on the Clean Energy EU Islands strategy because of Brexit.

The 40 delegates from the European Small Islands Federation (ESIN), which includes islands from the Baltic to the Mediterranean, are guests of the Scottish Islands Federation.

The conference will include a study tour to Shapinsay as well as a visit to North Ronaldsay and a tour of EMEC, the marine energy company based in Stromness.

“Orkney was the obvious choice, because of the way Orkney has capitalised on its heritage, culture, food and drink and renewable energy potential,” said ESIN’s chair, Camille Dressler, who also chairs the Scottish Islands Federation.

However, she added: “Our concern is that because of Brexit, the Scottish islands could miss out on the Clean Energy EU Islands strategy. We plan to organise a meeting with Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse and Island and Transport Minister Humza Youssaf as soon as possible after our event to make them aware of opportunities that are currently open to our islands.”

European delegates will contribute three talks to the on the closing day of the Orkney International Science Festival.