Barra residents could launch a campaign to secure official recognition for the island’s flag in the coming weeks.
Community leaders and Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan have proposed a petition to the Court of the Lord Lyon to secure the special status for the first time.
The move gained widespread support from islanders after being discussed at a recent meeting in Barra.
The green and white Scandinavian-style flag has long been used to represent the island, but does not yet have legal recognition.
The Court of the Lord Lyon, the legal authority on heraldry in Scotland, has the power to authorise community flags and ensure that only one group can use the design.
A similar campaign for official recognition of a flag for Caithness was successfully mounted last year.
Mr Allan said: “It is great to see the local community in Barra showing interest in this idea.
“Ultimately, it’s up to the people of Barra themselves what they want to do next.
“The feeling at the initial meeting that I hosted earlier this month was that recognition of the flag would help boost the island’s marketing efforts as well as celebrate its unique identity.
“There is already widespread use of Barra’s flag, which can be seen flying from fishing boats, on local produce and on car stickers.
“I look forward to seeing how people in Barra want to take this forward, and hope it will lead to a formal petition being made to the Lord Lyon.
“I believe Barra’s flag can help boost the area’s identity and economy.”
Phillip Tibbetts, community vexillologist at the Flag Institute, said: “It was an honour to visit Barra and talk about the benefits and process of recording a flag officially with the Lyon Court.
“I was very pleased the idea was received so positively and look forward to supporting further progress. I can’t wait to be back – and no doubt see an officially registered Barra flag flying.”