A new islands' strategic group is to be created, bringing all six local council with responsibility for Scotland’s 93 inhabited island communities together.
Islands' Minister Humza Yousaf said the panel will involve the Western Isles, Argyll and Bute, Highland, North Ayrshire, Orkney and Shetland.
Mr Yousaf said: “Scotland’s islands have rich and vibrant cultures and make a huge contribution to Scottish life. With the forthcoming Islands' Bill now confirmed as a year one priority for the Scottish Government, the Islands Strategic Group will be crucial in shaping the content of the legislation."
The group will also focus on the development of a national islands' plan, aimed at ensuring the Scottish Government’s commitment to further empower the Scottish islands.
The minister said this would be "tailored specifically by those who will be most affected, taking into account the challenges and also the opportunities of island life."
He added: “I’ve already had numerous positive conversations with council leaders who will be getting round the table to represent the interests of our many and varied island communities and look forward to further constructive discussions in the future.”
New islands' strategic group announced
25 August 2016