SCOTLAND'S island councils have asked First Minister Alex Salmond, Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg to respond to a list of questions about life after the independence referendum.

Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles councils are neutral on the issue of Scottish independence but have launched the campaign "Our Islands - Our Future" to win more powers and resources whichever way Scotland votes.

Ed Miliband, the UK Labour leader, has also been asked to join the debate on a stronger future for Scotland's islands, as have the leaders of the opposition parties at Holyrood.

The responses will help shape the debate at a conference in September. The questions include: "In the case of either a Yes vote or No vote for independence what special consideration, benefits or powers would you offer to Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles?" They also ask about a manifesto for the islands and remote rural areas and query commitment to individual island authorities.

Orkney Islands Council Convener Steven Heddle said: "Our aim is to secure tangible commitments that support us in our shared objectives."