MSP bids to outlaw maps putting Shetland in a box

An MSP has attempted to legally bar maps from putting Shetland in a box rather than "accurately and proportionately" representing their location.

Maps of Scotland frequently move the Northern Isles to a box in the Moray Firth to save space.

Shetland MSP Tavish Scott called for a Shetland mapping requirement to be enshrined in law, via an amendment to the Islands (Scotland) Bill, stipulating the public authorities must not take the box option.

His amendment stated: "The Shetland mapping requirement is that in any map of Scotland the Shetland Islands must be displayed in a manner that accurately and proportionately represents their geographical location in relation to the rest of Scotland."

"My contention is the islands should be in the right place on the map," the Liberal Democrat told Holyrood's Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee.

"If I was closer to the Moray Firth or indeed in the Moray Firth I wouldn't need to spend 12 hours going home on the boat from Aberdeen overnight.

"This is simply to ensure that in future that government publications and documents do reflect the reality of Scotland in terms of its geography, and not something that fits neatly on an A4 sheet of paper."

Several committee members said they were sympathetic to the proposal, with Orkney MSP Liam McArthur saying his constituency suffered similar treatment.

He said: "There have been number of occasions that we have found ourselves bundled in a box and stuck in the Moray Firth."

He said the concern is more than "presentational or superficial" as it gives rise to the misconception the islands are nearer the mainland than they are.

Conservative MSP Peter Chapman opposed the move, saying map specialists had told him it would reduce the scale of any map by about 40%.

He said the loss of detail in favour of a "whole chunk of sea" would be counterproductive.

Islands Minister Humza Yousaf said he would not stand for a similar situation if maps misrepresented his constituency of Glasgow Pollok.

He said since Mr Scott raised the issue, instructions had been issued to publishers that government documents should seek to represent all the Scottish islands accurately.

Mr Yousaf urged Mr Scott to withdraw the amendment and work with the government to bring about change through agreement rather than law, warning it could be "largely unenforceable".

He offered to contact all councils to encourage them to follow the Scottish Government's lead on publishing.

Mr Scott withdrew the amendment but stressed he wanted the change enshrined in law and would work with the government on a "correct" drafting ahead of the final stage of the bill.

The Islands Bill is aimed at strengthening and protecting island communities across Scotland and involves a requirement to "island proof" future laws and policies.

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