New strategic group will be crucial in shaping Islands Bill

Hot on the heels of the Islands Bill announcement on Monday, islands minister Humza Yousaf has confirmed that a new Islands Strategic Group – bringing together all six local authorities with responsibility for Scotland’s 93 inhabited island communities – is to be established.

The group will involve Argyll and Bute, Highland, North Ayrshire, Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles.

Mr Yousaf said: “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, which will ensure the Government’s commitment to further empower the Scottish islands will be tailored specifically by those who will be most affected, taking into account the challenges and also the opportunities of island life.

“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.”