FUTURE Scottish governments may be legally bound to "island-proof" all decisions as part of a series of radical measures designed to empower communities.

Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles have been jointly campaigning for greater powers under the 'Our Islands Our Future' banner.

The Scottish Government is now to launch a consultation on measures that could see the islands winning additional powers and stronger representation at Holyrood.

Ministers say they are planning an Islands Bill, which when passed, would be about equality and empowerment for the island communities.

Islands Minister Derek Mackay went to Lewis to discuss the aspirations of the Bill with Higher Modern Studies pupils from The Nicholson Institute, the largest secondary school in the Western Isles.

He said the consultation would seek views on whether a legal duty should be placed on all future Scottish Governments to prepare a ‘National Islands Plan’ setting out ongoing commitments across all policy areas of Government to support and promote island communities.

It also raises the question of whether a legal duty should be placed on ministers and relevant public bodies to ‘island-proof’ their functions and decisions to that ensure they take account of the areas' distinctiveness.

In addition the public will also be asked what additional powers and functions could be passed to island councils to benefit or better protect the island communities they serve.

Views will be sought as to whether the Westerns Isles Scottish parliamentary constituency should enjoy the same statutory protection Orkney and Shetland already have.

There has long been local concern that any move to larger or more populous constituencies could see the Western Isles being joined to the likes of Skye.

Mr Mackay said: "Over the summer I had the opportunity to visit a number of island communities and hear first-hand from islanders about the challenges, but also about the opportunities of island life.

“I therefore see the launch of today’s consultation as the next step in helping inform the Government’s work for a more prosperous and fairer future for our island communities.”

Western Isles leader Angus Campbell, speaking on behalf of the Our Islands Our Future campaign, said: “The launch of this consultation is very significant in securing greater powers for Island areas and is the first islands-specific piece of legislation in over 40 years.

"We have continually lobbied for a fairer deal for islands and I would encourage people to respond to the consultation and share their views on the development of a future Islands’ Bill which comes as a result of the positive work being done on the Our Islands Our Future campaign.

"This is an opportunity for everyone to help shape a more prosperous and fairer future for our Islands.”