Around 20,000 households across Scotland’s islands are being invited to share their experiences of everyday life as a national survey seeks to understand the challenges facing island communities.
The Scottish Islands Survey is now underway, giving residents an opportunity to influence future government decisions on housing, transport, healthcare, the cost of living and other services that matter to islanders.
Households have been randomly selected from across Scotland’s island regions, with invitations being sent to residents aged 18 and over.
Up to two adults from each invited household can take part, allowing different experiences and perspectives to be recorded.
The findings will help inform government policies and investment decisions, including the implementation of the National Islands Plan launched in February 2026.
For island communities, the issues being examined are familiar ones, from finding somewhere affordable to live to accessing essential services and maintaining reliable connections with the mainland.
The survey offers residents an opportunity to explain those experiences directly rather than having their circumstances assessed entirely from elsewhere.
Islands Minister Jim Fairlie is encouraging participation during a visit to Arran.
Mr Fairlie said:
“The Scottish Islands Survey is a national listening exercise that allows our island communities to share their views and ambitions directly with us.
“It provides island-specific data to inform and monitor our policies, not least the implementation of our new National Islands Plan.
“Continuing to listen to our island communities is vital to ensuring that we respond to their priorities and needs, in line with our vision of strengthening long-term resilience and prosperity across island areas.
“Only islanders can give us the full picture on what it is really like to live, work and access services in Scotland’s islands.
“I am determined to not just listen but hear their voice.
“I want to encourage all islanders to complete the survey questionnaire if they have been selected, ensuring future decisions are based on their direct experiences and helping set the priorities we need to focus on going forward.”
Luke Fraser, Chair of the Scottish Islands Federation, welcomed the opportunity for islanders to contribute.
“Scotland’s islands are diverse, with each community facing its own challenges and opportunities.
“The Scottish Islands Survey is an important opportunity to capture these different experiences and ensure that the voices of islanders help shape future decisions that will impact our islands and their long-term sustainability.
“We encourage those invited to take part and hope the findings will lead to policies and investment that make a real difference to island communities.”
Chris Martin, Research Director of Ipsos Scotland, which is conducting the survey on behalf of the Scottish Government, also encouraged residents to respond.
“If you’ve been invited to take part in the Scottish Islands Survey, please do so.
“Islanders know their communities best. Every response helps ensure the voices and experiences of island communities are reflected in the evidence used to inform future decisions.”
This is the third Scottish Islands Survey, following earlier exercises in 2020 and 2023.
The latest results are expected to be published in 2027, providing updated evidence about island life and the priorities residents believe should shape future decisions.
