‘Is Skye really an island?’ Yes, it is, MSP told

An MSP has questioned whether Skye is a “real island” – as a bridge connects it to the mainland.

The SNP’s John Mason raised the query at a Holyrood committee examining a proposed law on island communities.

The Glasgow Shettleston MSP questioned if Skye should be included in the legislation, since he claimed it does not have the transport problems of “real islands”.

Speaking at the rural economy and connectivity committee, he said: “Was it unanimous that something like Skye should be included because it says that bridges are ignored and yet surely Skye doesn’t have the problems of ferries, transport that real islands do?”

“I’m sure, as we’ll all agree, that Skye is a real island”

Committee convener Edward Mountain replied: “I’m sure, as we’ll all agree, that Skye is a real island”.

Darren Dickson from the Islands Bill team confirmed that Skye is included on the list of inhabited islands covered by the bill.

He said: “It is quite surprising because we’ve actually had it asked of us three times whether Skye is covered by the bill – people obviously aren’t reading the explanatory notes very clearly because it’s quite clearly stated in the explanatory notes Skye is included.”

The Islands Bill plans to island-proof future legislation and policies and create a national islands plan.

John Mason MSP