Nicola Sturgeon calls for views on devolution of power to Scotland's islands

Nicola Sturgeon has called for views on the devolution of powers to Scotland’s islands, ahead of the Islands Bill.

The First minister is travelling to Skye, with a consultation launched last month to gather views on giving islands greater autonomy, creating a national ‘Islands Plan’ and dedicated councillors for all populated islands, a legal duty to “island-proof” legislation and constituency boundary protection for Na h-Eileanan an lar.

Sturgeon will also sue the visit to highlight the role of Gaelic in the economic and cultural future of Scotland’s islands.

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Sturgeon said: “I made a commitment that this government would be open and transparent and that is the reason that I encourage everyone living in our island communities to think about what the future bill should look like.

“I know all too well that life on our islands can be very different compared to living on the mainland. Who better then to help influence this area of work than those who live, work and study there.

“Our islands have proud and vibrant traditions which have contributed to making Scotland the nation that it is. This consultation marks the next step in informing our work to ensure we can make our islands more prosperous and fairer in the future, and I would encourage everyone with an interest to respond.”