Island communities are set to see targeted action on housing, healthcare and economic growth under the Scottish Government’s second National Islands Plan, launched during a visit to Orkney and Shetland.
The refreshed plan outlines commitments across seven key themes aimed at increasing the number of people living and working on Scotland’s islands.
Among the priorities are delivering more affordable homes, improving access to childcare and exploring permanent transport links such as bridges and tunnels to strengthen connectivity.
The plan also includes further work to pilot remote diagnosis technology to improve access to medical advice in island areas.
Additional measures include an island scholarship pilot scheme for postgraduate students and the promotion of Gaelic alongside island languages such as Orcadian and Shetlandic.
Launching the plan, First Minister John Swinney said:
“Island communities are a key national asset and are central to our vision of Scotland as a successful country in which to live, work and study.
“Islanders have told us clearly what they need to pursue their ambitions: homes they can afford, transport they can rely on, and more accessible local services, this plan will deliver for our island communities.
“It is focused, it is practical, and it puts islanders in the driving seat of their own future.
“When our islands thrive, Scotland thrives.”
Louise McQuaid, Young Islanders Network Senior Development Worker, said:
“The Young Islanders Network (YIN) is delighted to see the release of the New National Islands plan and we are particularly pleased that some of our key feedback can be seen in the actions of the new plan.
“We welcome the continued support for YIN within the plan and look forward to helping ensure that the voices of young islanders are heard and able to influence decision making which affects their lives.”
Luke Fraser of the Scottish Islands Federation said:
“The Scottish Islands Federation welcomes the Scottish Government’s continued commitment to island focused policymaking through the National Islands Plan II and we look forward to working in collaboration to implement the key priorities.
“Ongoing, dedicated support for islands is essential, not as an extension of rural policy, but as a recognition that islands face some fundamentally different challenges and opportunities.
“As the Plan moves into delivery, sustained focus, long-term investment and meaningful partnership will be key to ensuring it delivers lasting benefits for island communities.”
The challenge now will be turning policy into visible change, as islanders look for progress on homes, transport and services that make it possible not just to stay, but to build a future.
