Legislation to empower Scotland’s island communities is to be progressed, Islands Minister Humza Yousaf announced today.
The proposed Islands Bill is to be brought forward during the next 12 months.
It follows a recent consultation.
Mr Yousaf who visited Stornoway today said: “Our islands make a significant contribution to Scottish life from both a cultural and economic perspective."
He added: “We have placed the aspirations and needs of our island communities at the centre of our empowerment agenda.
The minister said the the Bill will provide "lasting benefits" for all island communities for generations to come.
"I believe that this demonstrates our strong and continued support for our island communities and our desire to deliver quickly on the election promises set out in our manifesto.
"I now look forward to working with the various island communities and representatives in bringing this into effect over the next year."
Legislation to give Western Isles more control of own affairs
23 August 2016