The Islands Bill is to be debated in the Scottish Parliament today (Wednesday) 30th May. The debate starts at 2pm and can be watched live on Scottish Parliament TV.

Stage 3 is the final stage in putting forward amendments and passing  the Islands Bill.

James Stockan Leader of Orkney Islands Council said:

“We believe the Bill could be much more ambitious than it was at Stage Two of this process. We want it to be genuinely empowering, so that it has a lasting and positive impact on the lives of people in Scotland’s island communities.

“The Scottish Government has the opportunity to take forward ground breaking legislation that would be transformational for island communities like ours.

“This is why we’ve been engaging with the Government and with MSPs from all opposition parties and asking them to support our ambition to considerably strengthen the Bill.”

Orkney Islands Council  put forward amendments which they felt would:

• Provide opportunities for the further devolution of powers to island communities.
• Allow ‘island proofing’ of existing as well as future policies and legislation, to ensure these take into account the special circumstances of island communities – and do not disadvantage people living and working in the islands.

Related stories:

OIC Wants More Powers Devolved to Orkney

Maree Todd: Welcoming the Landmark Islands Bill

Managing the Expectations of Islanders