The Policy Memorandum says that the plan will "provide an agreed strategic direction, not only for the Scottish Government, but for all public authorities that have an interest in providing outcomes for island communities"1Scottish Parliament. (2017, June). Policy Memorandum Islands (Scotland) Bill..
Rather than set out a proposed plan within legislation, the Bill provides that, following further consultation, the first National Island Plan would be laid before the Scottish Parliament within 12 months from the date on which the Act comes into force.