Leader of the Highland Council responds to Islands Bill

Speaking after the passing of the Scottish Government’s Islands (Scotland) Bill, Cllr Margaret Davidson, Leader of the Highland Council said:

“I welcome the passing of this Bill which recognises the importance of our Island communities and considers the impact of legislation and policies on people who live there.

“The Bill refers to a national islands plan which is aimed at improving outcomes for island communities and I really look forward to positive discussions with the Scottish Government about this plan. This provides great opportunities for us in the Highlands.

“I note that the Bill describes an “inhabited island” as an island ‘permanently inhabited by at least one individual’. It is important to recognise that Highland Council has a coastline of 4412km with 1493 islands and nineteen of these islands are inhabited.

“I look forward to the Scottish Government now focusing on the fact that many of the issues covered  in the Bill are very similar to the issues that face our remote and rural areas and perhaps we can follow this useful island bill with some new policy and support for our rural economies.

“Whilst we absolutely welcome working with the Scottish Government to improve island lives and communities, we need to know that we will be properly resourced to do this.”