NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE The Chief Minister of the Isle of Man, Allan Bell, has said that the good relations he had developed with former Scottish First Minister, Alex Salmond, have continued with his successor, Nicola Sturgeon, following her elevation to the leadership of the SNP and First Minister of Scotland. He was responding to queries from the Celtic League urging that ties be strengthened following the significant SNP gains in the recent Westminster elections when they took 56 of the 59 Scottish seats. We also cited recent steps by Ireland to consolidate bi-lateral relations with Scotland. Mr Bell MHK points out that he was able to have a dialogue with Nicola Sturgeon when she was on the Island last November for the British-Irish Council meeting and he also met her in London last week at the VE Day service at Westminster Abbey. In addition he says a further meeting is scheduled for next month. He stresses that it is important to develop an even stronger understanding of key players who are centre stage in British politics (such as the SNP leader and First Minister) to help protect the Islands long term interests. The Manx Chief Minister went on to add that in addition to high level political meetings there is considerable interaction at civil service level with Scottish counterparts, with regular visits, meetings and conversations. Link to an abridged version of a speech Alex Salmond made (as Scottish First Minister) when he visited the Isle of Man in July 2013 to deliver the annual Chief Minister's International Lecture. J B Moffatt (Mr) Director of Information Celtic League 13/05/15 (Please note that replies to correspondence received by the League and posted on CL News are usually scanned hard copies. Obviously every effort is made to ensure the scanning process is accurate but sometimes errors do occur.) ISSUED BY THE CELTIC LEAGUE INFORMATION SERVICE. The Celtic League has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights human rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses on socio-economic issues Download our News App for Android here. Internet site at: (voir le site) (voir le site) Share this!