Islands Bill support

LEADERS of three island councils have re-affirmed their commitment to the proposed Islands Bill during a meeting with Humza Yousaf.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Orkney Islands Council and Shetland Islands Council leaders met with the Minister for Transport and the Islands last Tuesday (July 11).

Mr Yousaf chaired a meeting of the Islands Strategic Group, which looks at issues facing the inhabited island communities of Scotland and ensures greater involvement of the relevant councils in helping to find solutions.

Roddie MacKay, leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said the meeting marked ‘productive political engagement between the councils and the Scottish Government’.

‘We are committed to fully utilising our islands’ resources and to see the islands thrive and contribute to national wellbeing throughout the 21st century in Scotland. The measures in the Islands Bill underpin this aim.

‘We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Islands Minister, Humza Yousaf, the Scottish Government, our island colleagues and everyone who is contributing to this historic, empowering and progressive step forward in the futures of island communities.’