On Wednesday the Scottish Parliament unanimously voted to pass the historic Islands (Scotland) Bill, which will enshrine the interests of Scotland’s island communities within the legislative process.
The key provisions of the bill include the creation of a National Islands Plan, which will set out an agreed strategic direction, not only for the Scottish government, but for all Scottish public authorities that have an interest in improving outcomes for island communities.
The bill also places a duty on Scottish ministers to carry out an island communities impact assessment whenever a new or revised policy, strategy or service is likely to have a significantly different effect on island communities from its effect on other communities. Known as ‘island-proofing’, this duty will make sure communities are not disadvantaged by their location.