The UK government is set to meet with island community leaders on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland on 9-10 October to discuss connectivity.
The third Islands Forum will be chaired by the secretary of state for levelling up Michael Gove.
The forum will focus on connectivity, recognising the importance of physical and digital connectivity to islands, particularly those with no fixed links to the mainland.
Eligible council leaders and chief executives of island communities in all parts of the UK have been invited to take part in the third forum.

45 local institutions across the UK, including pubs, museums and sports clubs have received funding from the government intended to secure their futures.
The organisations will will receive more than £12.3m in funding so they can be run by the community, for the community.
Jacob Young, minister for levelling Up, said: "Our priority is to support communities and deliver opportunities right across the country, which is why we’re investing £12.3m to secure the future of cherished community institutions.

New statistics from the Department of Transport (DfT) have revealed that the overall price of bus fares in England, outside London, dropped by 7.4 per cent between June 2022 and June 2023.
The average fare in rural and non-metropolitan parts of England has dropped by 10.8 per cent.
The drop is being attributed to the extension of the Get Around for £2 scheme.

Rebecca Evans MS, minister for finance and local government and Jeremy Miles MS, minister for education and Welsh language have published a statement on RAAC in the public estate.
Local authorities and NHS estates have been working to carry out assessments of their property portfolios to determine whether any buildings contain reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) and ministers have been provided with regular updates.

Environment minister Rebecca Pow has announced £25 million will be invested in projects that use nature to protect communities from flooding.
The funding is being provided by the Government and the Environment Agency and will support natural flood management schemes across England that use techniques such as planting trees and creating wetlands to slow and store water to reduce the risk of flooding.
It is hoped the schemes will also improve air and water quality, provide habitats for wildlife and create green spaces for communities.

It has been announced that thousands of discounted training spaces are available in an attempt to boost the green jobs sector.
Up to 8,000 people – including current installers and those who are new to the industry – will be able to develop skills to retrofit homes and install insulation on the Home Decarbonisation Skills Training scheme.
4,000 people will also be able to get £500 towards training to install and maintain heat networks through the Heat Training Grant.

The Department of Education has announced that 27 new local authority areas will join the staying close programme, meaning thousands more young people will be able to receive additional support when leaving care.
The staying close programme provides a package of continued support and guidance to young people leaving care, such as ensuring they have accommodation, resources and practical and emotional help provided by a member of staff from their former children’s home.
The 27 local authorities have been awarded £27 million to run the programme.