Scottish Government pledges millions to improve islands infrastructure

The Scottish Government have pledged millions of pounds to improve island communities’ resilience.

The funding of £5.9 million has been allocated to support sustainable community projects and to create and safeguard infrastructure projects on the islands.

It will support 23 community-led projects in 2025-2026, spanning 22 islands across Argyll and Bute, Highland, Na h-Eileanan Siar, North Ayrshire, Orkney, and Shetland.

This includes four islands, Luing, Lismore, Scalpay and Ulva, that will benefit from the funding for the first time.

These local authorities will share the funding from the Scottish Government’s Islands Programme and the Carbon Neutral Islands Fund and the Scottish Futures Trust will provide coordination and advice

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Our island communities are bursting with ambition, innovation and potential, and the Scottish Government is committed to supporting local priorities and long-term sustainability.

“Indeed, the underpinning objective of the Convention of the Highlands and Islands is to take a collective, strategic approach to unlocking economic opportunities and tackling issues.”

The Scalpay Community Heritage Centre is one of this year’s Islands Programme recipients, with a £647,000 award supporting the first phase of redevelopment for the island’s only community hall.

The Sellafirth Community Hub is also among the successful applicants of the Carbon Neutral Islands Fund, with £298,000 helping convert two garages into a training room and craft workshop.

Ms Forbes added: “I am pleased we have been able to provide substantial funding towards projects across island areas. They are all fine examples of how we can work together with communities and local authorities to boost island economies in ways that are sustainable and generate revenue that can be reinvested locally.”

Brodick Hall in Arran is the host for the autumn meeting of the Convention of the Highlands and Islands, taking place on Monday, and is also one of the projects for redevelopment.

North Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and Islands, Councillor Alan Hill, said: “The Council is delighted to be hosting the autumn Convention of the Highlands and Islands in Brodick.

“The funding for Brodick Hall, transforming it into a modern Island Hub for everyone on Arran to use, means generations of islanders will have a fit-for-purpose facility that will be the heart of the community for the foreseeable future.

“Arran Youth Foundations, in Lamlash, is using the grant to create a new youth centre that will offer a safe space and fantastic services to young people for decades to come, while the Lochranza Securing a Future in Marine Tourism project will see the pontoon being refurbished and new moorings created – which will boost tourism on the north of the island.”