Orkney and Shetland health boards must be protected from any future centralisation, the Liberal Democrats have said.

The local MSPs for the islands have written to health secretary Shona Robison calling on her to protect the health boards' independence.

Tavish Scott (Shetland) and Liam McArthur (Orkney) sent the letter after the Scottish Government published its programme for government on Tuesday.

It states the government will "examine the number, structure and regulation of health boards" over the next few years.

In a joint statement, the Lib Dem MSPs said: "Centralisation of public services has been relentless over recent years, and at the expense of local services where NHS boards in both Orkney and Shetland already face additional costs in providing care to remote island communities.

"Ministers don't know best and a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works for island communities.

"Healthcare in Orkney and Shetland more often than not requires different solutions to the central belt.

"Patient travel to Aberdeen for a range of medical needs is just one example of the difference."

He added: "If ministers believe that the answers to these challenges is squeezing budgets and ever-greater central control then they will have a fight persuading the communities we represent.

"People in Orkney and Shetland want assurances that their local health boards will not only be protected in a government review but properly resourced to provide the best possible healthcare."

Public health minister Aileen Campbell said the government's commitment to Scotland's island communities is "unrivalled".

Campbell said: "As was set out in the programme for government we will begin work in this parliament to examine the number, structure and regulation of health boards, as well as their relationship with local authorities, so that we can reduce bureaucracy and remove any barriers to effective patient care.

"This review has not yet begun but our commitment to Scotland's island communities is unrivalled and any final proposals will be consistent with our aim to ensure their unique needs are reflected."