Shetland and Orkney key to the SNP

Members of the Scottish National Party (SNP) are looking to garner voters from the Shetland and Orkney islands in the run-up to the local authority elections.

The increased focus on securing councillors in the Northern Isles comes after a decision to increase the number of seats in key cities such as Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

It is hoped that this new shift will increase the number of people voting in smaller constituencies, boosting the overall turnout across Scotland. The country is still pushing for independence, with first minister Alex Salmond aiming to hold a referendum on the subject in 2014.

However, many in Shetland believe that the government will struggle to breakthrough in the region.

Laura Baisley, ward member of the North Isles, said: "When people have declared a party allegiance it hasn't really helped them. It seems to be more the people who have local knowledge, or community leaders, that get elected."