The Orkney Islands, situated off the north coast of Scotland, could become independent from the UK following the Brexit vote, according to reports.
The majority of Orkney’s councillors have pushed through a motion demanding an investigation into “greater autonomy or self-determination” and the possibility of a second independence referendum in Scotland, according to The Telegraph.
A motion backed by 13 of 21 Orkney Island councillors demands the chief executive to compile a report into “whether the people of Orkney could exercise self-determination if faced with further national and international constitutional change.”
It added: “Or indeed to decide if more autonomy might be beneficial for the well being of Orkney.”
In the past many Orkney residents have pushed for greater independence from Holyrood and were promised more powers in the event of Scottish independence.
The islands have traditionally been more pro-Westminster than pro-Holyrood but feel that they are “historically and culturally” different from the rest of the UK.
They used to be part of Norway until the late 15th century.
Graham Sinclair, the councillor who drafted the motion, told the paper: “I think the islands are more significantly different – both historically and culturally – from the rest of the country.”
Speaking of the proposal he said it was “a preliminary shot. It is to consider whether there is the possibility of constitutional changes.”
It is unclear how many Orkland residents will support any movement toward greater independence.
A 2013 poll found that only eight per cent supported leaving Scotland in the event of independence.
It comes as another opinion poll published on Monday found that nearly two thirds of Scots oppose holding another independence referendum this year.
