Islands Bill passes in Scottish Parliament
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has welcomed the progress on the Islands (Scotland) Bill following the stage three debate and passing of the Bill in Parliament last week.
Comhairle convener Councillor Norman MacDonald said it was a historic and significant milestone for Scotland’s islands and represented an excellent outcome for the Our Islands Our Future campaign run by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Orkney Islands Council and Shetland Islands Council.
‘The Bill is an opportunity to embed the principles that ‘one size does not fit all’ and a recognition of the principle that equity and fairness may, on occasion, only be achieved by the adaptation of legislation, policy, strategy or services,’ he said.
‘We warmly welcome and strongly believe the commitments given today by the Minister for Transport and Islands Humza Yousaf MSP and his predecessor Derek Mackay MSP, which are reflected in the government’s stage three amendments, strengthen this Bill.
‘Given the fragile nature of our islands’ economies, the challenges of population retention and growth and other financial and resource issues which impact disproportionately on islands, we believe the Bill provides an opportunity for islands to ‘help themselves’ by allowing the development of bespoke solutions on governance at the earliest possible opportunity.
‘Moving forward from this historic achievement, the three island authorities and their partners are bringing forward proposals for an ambitious islands deal that will transform our economies and communities.
‘We are rightly proud of the unique contribution our islands make to the economic prosperity, cultural diversity and international reputation of Scotland and the United Kingdom but we recognise we can offer so much more with the right level of strategic investment.
‘Securing that investment through an islands deal is the focus for the next phase of collaboration between our three island authorities and we look forward to the strong support of the Scottish and UK governments.’
Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan also welcomed the Bill’s passage.
Mr Allan said: ‘This historic legislation seeks to meet the unique needs of Scotland’s islands now and in the future, helping to create the right environment for sustainable growth and empowering communities.
‘The measures included in the bill, along with the Scottish Government’s existing work in transport, digital, housing and health, will contribute to the right conditions for island communities to grow and thrive
‘The legislation also seeks to ‘island proof’ future policies to make sure policies are workable in the islands and to create an islands plan where the government has to set out its priorities for island communities.
‘This is the first legislation for Scotland’s islands and fulfils a key manifesto pledge of the SNP. I was very happy to see this piece of legislation pass.’