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Islanders said linking the west coast island to the mainland could impact the location’s identity.
A formal consultation process is to take place on establishing a fixed link between the Isle of Mull and Scotland’s mainland.
The paper focuses on improving the transport links, health care, education and housing sectors in Scotland’s islands.
The promotion of Gaelic and island languages, such as Orcadian and Shetlandic, and an island scholarship programme for post-graduate students are also among the measures.
Tobermory on the Isle of Mull has been named one of the most colourful places in the world | Getty ImagesA section of the plan said ministers will work with local authorities and partners to carry out detailed appraisals for three potential fixed links - tunnels, bridges and causeways - across some west coast islands.
One of those includes establishing a fixed link between Mull and Scotland’s mainland.
The other two would be to connect the Outer Hebridean islands by establishing routes from Uist to both Harris to the north and Barra to the south.
Scottish Government officials said prior public meetings on the plan showed views on new fixed links vary. While some see them as transformative opportunities, others prefer to prioritise investment existing ferries.
They said the perspective of islanders “will therefore remain central to guiding our work in this area.”
Opposition to a fixed link between Mull and Scotland’s mainland has been primarily driven by concerns over the preservation of island identity, the adequacy of local infrastructure, and a preference for improved ferry services.
Islanders say that some of the tourism, housing and transport pressures experienced on the Isle of Skye following the construction of its bridge could also emerge on Mull.
Vice chairman of the Mull and Iona Ferry Committee Finlay MacDonald said the community were unaware a fixed link was still being considered by the Scottish Government.
“I can guarantee that in any meeting the ferry committee have had with anyone in the government or with Transport Scotland this has not been mentioned since it was just a concept,” he said.
“It might be something that was talked about four or five years ago but we’ve not heard anything since.”
The Scottish Government is in discussions about replacing the ferry between Oban and Craignure - Mull’s main ferry port. | Getty ImagesHe said the move would be “a waste of money” as the Scottish Government are already in discussions about a replacement ferry service between Oban and Craignure, the main ferry port on Mull.
Mr MacDonald added: “I think this shows the disconnect between the government and islands given there has been zero consultation on this matter prior to it appearing in the National Islands Plan.”
The Scottish Government’s transport body, Transport Scotland, said it remains committed to taking forward work on the three proposed fixed links identified in the plan.
A spokesperson for the agency stressed the plan is “a long term plan”, adding: “The next step is in determining whether there is a robust enough business case and local support to progress these options for more detailed consideration.
“The business cases for a potential Sound of Harris, Sound of Barra fixed links and a fixed link between Mull and the Scottish mainland would need to consider the benefits, costs and challenges associated with these interventions and would further consider the feasibility of improving island connectivity through these additional fixed links.”
Potential fixed links outside the Clyde, Hebrides and Northern Isles ferry service networks fall under the responsibility of local authorities.