4Preparation and scrutiny of plan
(1)In preparing the national islands plan, the Scottish Ministers must—
(a)consult—
(i)each local authority listed in the schedule,
(ii)such other persons as they consider represent the interests of island communities, and
(iii)such persons (including members of island communities and other persons) as they consider likely to be affected by or have an interest in the proposals contained in the plan, and
(b)have regard to the distinctive geographical, natural heritage and cultural characteristics (including the linguistic heritage) of each of the areas inhabited by island communities.
(2)The Scottish Ministers must lay the proposed national islands plan before the Scottish Parliament—
(a)in the case of the first plan, before the end of the period of one year beginning with the day on which this section comes into force,
(b)in any other case, following a review under section 6(1).
(3)The Scottish Ministers must complete their preparation of the national islands plan after the expiry of the period of 40 days beginning with the day on which the plan is laid before the Scottish Parliament (taking no account of any time during which the Parliament is dissolved or in recess for more than 4 days).
(4)As soon as reasonably practicable after the end of the period mentioned in subsection (3), the Scottish Ministers must publish the plan.