Islands Forum scrapped after meeting just four times

An initiative set-up to discuss shared challenges and opportunities faced by island communities has been scrapped by the UK government.

The Islands Forum was established in 2022 by the then Conservative government as part of its Levelling Up agenda.

But the current Labour administration has decided that the forum - which has met four times - should not continue in its current form.

Scottish island councils have expressed disappointment it has been wound up.

The Islands Forum brought together the three Scottish island councils - Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles - as well as Highland, Argyll and Bute and North Ayrshire.

It also had representation from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Isle of Anglesey County Council, Isle of Wight Council and Council of the Isles of Scilly were all involved as was the Rathlin Development and Community Association.

The aim of the forum was to examine ways to tackle common challenges on issues like transport and housing.

Orkney Islands Council depute leader Sandy Cowie said he was disappointed the forum would not be meeting again as it had provided a positive opportunity to exchange strategies to confront challenges

He said: "We wait to see if anything similar will be instigated. I have to say I am not optimistic."

Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar leader Paul Steele agreed that the Islands Forum had provide a "much needed and useful platform".

The UK government said it was committed to helping islands reach their full potential and recognised it was important that they had their voices heard.