A committee of MSPs has recommended that the general principles of the Islands Bill be agreed by the Scottish Parliament.
The purpose of the Bill is to create a sustained focus on islands by the Scottish Government and to improve outcomes for island communities.
In its report published today (Monday), the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee has endorsed the Bill but says it is vital that the actual priorities of Islanders are reflected in the National Islands Plan that will follow the Bill.
Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee Convener Edward Mountain MSP said: "This Bill is an enabling piece of legislation that will provide for future action by the Scottish Government.
"However, the Committee believes that the Scottish Government will need to manage the expectations of islanders who may expect more immediate, tangible outcomes to be delivered.
"I am pleased to be part of a Committee that sees the importance of engaging directly with rural and island communities.
"It was vital that our report on the Bill properly reflected the views and experiences of islanders.
"That is why we visited Mull, Lewis, Harris and Orkney and held video conferences with other islands.
"To that end, our report recommends that the Government adopts the widest possible consultation on the development of the National Islands Plan, and cautions that island impact assessments should not become a tick box exercise. "This committee supports the empowerment of island communities and stresses the importance of local decision making.