Islands Bill passes final Holyrood stage

The Islands (Scotland) Bill has passed its final Holyrood stage with support members of all parties.

MSPs voted 122 to nil to approve the bill following its stage 3 debate.

The bill places a duty on the Scottish ministers and the wider public sector to island proof, meaning that they must take into account the needs and circumstances of island communities in the decision-making process, and helping to bring an awareness of the needs of island communities into those processes.

There is also to be a national islands plan: the bill sets out some high-level objectives, but other content will follow consultation and engagement with island communities. Community empowerment is one key objective.

Humza Yousaf, the minister in charge of the bill said on moving the fnal vote: "Today’s debate marks the conclusion of the parliamentary process, but it signals the start of the vital work that has to take place following Royal Assent. I give an assurance to all members that communities will be an inherent part of that work. I hope that communities will feel that the national islands plan is their plan and one that will unlock the potential of island communities across Scotland."

Click here to view the stage 3 debate.