Placing the Community at the Heart of Island Governance: The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018
Author | |
DOI | 10.3366/elr.2019.0583 |
Published date | 01 September 2019 |
Date | 01 September 2019 |
Pages | 441-448 |
The adoption of the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 (the “Act”) in July 2018 marked an historical moment for island communities in Scotland. The provisions therein, and their implementation, provide a unique opportunity for island communities to influence the agenda of the Scottish Government in relation to island governance. The Act has the potential to position Scotland at the forefront of island law and policy on an international scale. This paper expands on this opportunity by providing a snapshot of the journey that has led to the Act. It will then discuss the National Islands Plan and the provision requiring island communities impact assessments to be undertaken, both of which are key elements present in the Act. The paper concludes by drawing attention to the Act's emphasis on island communities. When it comes to island law and policy, Scotland will only be able to claim true leadership if it carries through its commitments towards island communities in the implementation of the Act.
In June 2013, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (the Western Isles Council), Orkney Islands Council and Shetland Islands Council launched the
In June 2014, on conclusion of the Island Areas Ministerial Working Group's work, the Scottish Government published the
As a result, the UK Government adopted a Framework for the Islands
The Act intends to provide a normative space for islands and island communities within the Scottish legal system. Scottish island communities too often have been left on the sidelines when it comes...
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