Second plan to improve island communities launched by First Minister

A new plan to improve the healthcare and housing sectors in Scotland’s islands has been unveiled by the First Minister.

John Swinney launched the second national islands plan, which seeks to provide more affordable homes and improve access to childcare.

It will also bid to create more transport links, such as bridges and tunnels, and will bring in piloted remote diagnoses technology to improve medical advice.

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.

Mr Swinney launched the plan while on a visit to Orkney and Shetland, underlining the importance of island communities to the wider nation.

He 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, a senior development worker at the Young Islanders Network (YIN), said: “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.”