The Islands Bill received royal assent on Friday July 6 and became an Act of the Scottish Parliament. The Queen has added her signature to the Bill, marking the moment that it became part of the legislation in force in Scotland.
This has been hailed as a landmark achievement for the councils in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles. The Bill was a key aim of the Our Islands Our Future campaign, led by the three local authorities, which are working together to secure more decision- making at a local level and greater economic prosperity for their communities. It paves the way for measures that allow a further devolution of powers for island communities.
It will also enable the ‘island prooff ng’ of existing as well as future policies and legislation, ensuring that these take into account the special circumstances of island communities – and do not disadvantage people living and working in the islands. Roddie Mackay, leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: ‘This is an important, historic day for our islands and, indeed, for all of Scotland’s islands.