MSPs pass Islands Bill

The Scottish Parliament has approved new laws to protect island communities by handing them more powers over local assets and committing the Scottish Government to long-term planning.

The Islands (Scotland) Bill won unanimous support from MSPs at its final stage in Holyrood last night.

Transport and Islands Minister Humza Yousaf called the vote “an important milestone”.

Island councils will now have more powers over coastline planning and licencing, while a national islands plan will commit government to long-term improvements.

Shetlands MSP Tavish Scott won an amendment to require maps to depict Shetland correctly in terms of their geographical location.

Yousaf said the bill sent a message to communities that they are valued as much as others.

"That is entirely fitting for our islands, which contribute so much to our culture, our landscape, our heritage, which have inspired poets, songwriters, composers, artists, and which attract visitors from near and afar,” he said.

"They have contributed hugely to our past and our present, and with this bill and other measures will now have the opportunity to contribute even further to their own and our collective futures."

Every party backed the bill, but both Conservatives and Labour MSPs said it could have gone further in protecting investment in the communities.