Scotland’s islands are the focus of a new tourism initiative.

The Scottish Islands Passport has been set up to encourage people to visit overlooked isles, as well as traditionally popular destinations, and also to consider making trips outside busy spring and summer seasons.

People can have a passport-like book stamped on each island they visit, and they can download a free app to get information on what to see and do.

The app has been designed to “match” people with islands that best fit their interests.

Seventy-two islands are covered by the scheme.

The project was first suggested about three years ago, but the Covid pandemic delayed its launch in South Ronaldsay, Orkney, until this week.

Rural development funding organisation Leader, the Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands public transport body Hitrans and Shetland’s transport partnership ZetTrans have helped to fund the project.

The small team behind the scheme say it will promote sustainable tourism by spreading out visits throughout the year.

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