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Consultation on devolving powers to Scottish isles Consultation on devolving powers to Scottish isles
(35 minutes later)
The Scottish government has started consulting on its plans that could see additional powers being given to island authorities.The Scottish government has started consulting on its plans that could see additional powers being given to island authorities.
Shetland, Orkney and Western Isles councils have been calling for greater control over local matters.Shetland, Orkney and Western Isles councils have been calling for greater control over local matters.
They ran a joint campaign in the lead up to the Scottish independence referendum to secure commitments from the Scottish and UK governments.They ran a joint campaign in the lead up to the Scottish independence referendum to secure commitments from the Scottish and UK governments.
The Scottish government has sought views on what powers could be devolved.The Scottish government has sought views on what powers could be devolved.
Controls handed over to island authorities would be protected in law by a planned Islands Bill.Controls handed over to island authorities would be protected in law by a planned Islands Bill.
Islands Minister Derek Mackay marked the start of the consultation process with visits to The Nicolson Institute in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis and the island's ancient Callanish Standing Stones. Islands Minister Derek Mackay marked the start of the consultation process with a visit to Lewis' ancient Callanish Standing Stones.
He said: "This is the start of a conversation with our island communities, councils and wider stakeholders about what a future bill may look like - and who better to inform these decisions than the very people who live, work and study there.He said: "This is the start of a conversation with our island communities, councils and wider stakeholders about what a future bill may look like - and who better to inform these decisions than the very people who live, work and study there.
"Scotland's islands have proud traditions, with rich and vibrant cultures."Scotland's islands have proud traditions, with rich and vibrant cultures.
"They contribute so much to the fabric of Scotland as a nation. From Harris Tweed in the Western Isles to the famous whisky distilleries in Islay, Scotland's islands are renowned across the world.""They contribute so much to the fabric of Scotland as a nation. From Harris Tweed in the Western Isles to the famous whisky distilleries in Islay, Scotland's islands are renowned across the world."
Mr Mackay added: "With the appointment of the first government islands minister there can be no doubt of the Scottish government's ongoing commitment to our island communities."Mr Mackay added: "With the appointment of the first government islands minister there can be no doubt of the Scottish government's ongoing commitment to our island communities."
The government said ministers have been clear that a future Islands Bill, once passed, would be about equality and empowerment for our island communities.The government said ministers have been clear that a future Islands Bill, once passed, would be about equality and empowerment for our island communities.