Guidance and reporting
11Guidance about section 7 duty
(1)A relevant authority must have regard to any guidance issued by the Scottish Ministers about the duty imposed by section 7.
(2)Before issuing guidance under subsection (1), the Scottish Ministers must consult—
(a)each local authority listed in the schedule,
(b)such other persons as they consider represent the interests of island communities, and
(c)such persons as they consider likely to be affected by the guidance.
12Reporting regarding section 7 duty
(1)A relevant authority to which the duty imposed by section 7 applies in a reporting period must publish information about the steps which the authority has taken to comply with that duty during that reporting period.
(2)A “reporting period” is any period determined by the authority of up to a maximum of one year.
(3)The relevant authority may publish the information in such manner as the authority considers appropriate (for example in an annual or other report prepared by the authority).
(4)Subsection (1) does not apply to the Scottish Ministers (see section 5).