A National consultation is taking place to empower island residents. Island communities are being encouraged to help shape the policies that affect them. A national consultation will inform the development of the first ever National Islands Plan, asking island residents to share opinions on the specific challenges they face – such as population retention, connectivity, economic development, housing, and transport links.

Local people will also be asked to share the positives of island life, and examples of good practice where policy works well, so that the plan takes into account all aspects of life in some of Scotland’s most remote communities.