The National Islands Plan contains a number of commitments designed to improve outcomes for island communities as they move towards carbon neutrality. From April to July 2019, we consulted widely on what was important to islanders and island communities. We use cookies to collect anonymous data to help us improve your site browsing You can change your cookie settings at any time. I wish to thank everyone who contributed to the consultation process for the Islands Bond, and look forward to publishing the analysis of this in the spring ahead of the launch of the Islands Bond in the summer. Climate change emerged as one of the most pressing of those issues. Visit 'Set cookie preferences' to control specific cookies. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' The production of this Plan marks an historic milestone, has been created with the input of many islanders and others with a strong interest in Scotlands islands and I am extremely grateful to you all for your contributions and ideas. Investments have been made across many of the Strategic Objectives within the Plan, including sustainable economic development, health and wellbeing, and education. Our regularly scheduled ferry operates 365 days a year according to the seasonal schedules > > found in the left-hand menu. The valuable knowledge, expertise and continued support of our partners is crucial to delivering the Plan and I look forward to continuing these relationships in the months and years ahead. These statutory provisions have been augmented with priorities identified by islanders themselves. The actions that we are taking to deliver on these commitments continue to help our island communities thrive, whilst the ongoing implementation of the Plan champions the uniqueness of our islands. You can change your cookie settings at any time. This replaces the proposed plan published in October 2019. Across the board, a number of commitments have either been fulfilled or are on their way to being met. Note: Your feedback will help us make improvements on this site. The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan. Over the past year we have benefited from vital collaborations with local authorities, island stakeholders and communities themselves. The 5 million Islands Bond fund plan stated: "The Scottish Government committed to developing a 5 million Islands Bond fund, providing up to 50,000 each for up to 100 households by 2026, by providing financial support for island residents to remain in their community, or to encourage people to move there. This directly responds to the feedback we received during the 2019 consultation process for the National Islands Plan, which highlighted depopulation as being the most crucial issue for people living on our islands. This replaces the proposed plan published in October 2019. A report setting out the steps we will take to support the islands included in the Carbon Neutral Islands project will be published by summer 2022. All Scottish Ministers have a responsibility and duty to implement and deliver on the strategic objectives set out in this Plan. I would like to conclude by thanking our islanders, stakeholders and local authorities for their tremendous support as we continue to deliver the National Islands Plan. Click 'Accept all cookies' to agree to all cookies that collect anonymous data. Through our Island Communities Fund and Healthy Islands Fund, we have been able to support numerous businesses, community groups and organisations. The work that we undertake within the Scottish Government is only part of the story. We recognise the urgency of this work and are fully committed to supporting six Scottish islands through the Carbon Neutral Islands project. Please do not provide any personal information, All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except for graphic assets and where otherwise stated, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate, Foreword from Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Summary of Strategic Objectives and Values, Empowered Island Communities and Strong Local Partnerships, Implementation and Measurement of the National Islands Plan. experience. In our 2021/22 Programme for Government, we commit to introducing a new Islands Bond initiative to help support repopulation in some of our most vulnerable communities. We want them to thrive and this first National Islands Plan provides the ambition and the tools to do so. That consultation process highlighted where we need to step up our collective efforts and focus our energies to address the challenges and realise the aspirations of everyone who lives on Scotlands islands. Our islands are profoundly important not just to Scotland, but to the whole world. I am acutely aware of the impact both leaving the EU and the pandemic have had on our island communities. Please do not provide any personal information, All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except for graphic assets and where otherwise stated, Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate, Foreword from Scotland's Islands Minister, A Fair, Integrated, Green and Inclusive Plan, Empowered Island Communities and Strong Local Partnerships, Implementation and Measurement of the National Islands Plan, Annex A: Duties in Relation to Island Communities: Relevant Authorities (introduced by section 7(2) of the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018). Your cookie preferences have been saved. Supporting documents Foreword from Scotland's Islands Minister Summary of Strategic Objectives Introduction A Fair, Integrated, Green and Inclusive Plan These commitments will support our work to address the challenges that face all of Scotland's islands as we move towards a Just Transition. As Islands Minister, I am proud to introduce Scotlands first ever National Islands Plan. Bonds of up to 50,000 ($69,670) could be offered to young people and families as part of the plans. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' Paul Wheelhouse MSP Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, Note: Your feedback will help us make improvements on this site. They contribute hugely to our culture, heritage, environment, identity, landscape, economy and society. The Act sets out some of the key areas to achieve this by increasing population levels; improving and promoting sustainable economic development, environmental wellbeing, health and wellbeing, and community empowerment; improving transport services and digital connectivity; reducing fuel poverty; and enhancing biosecurity. 9781839604263 The National Islands Plan provides a framework for action in order to meaningfully improve outcomes for island communities. And. It sets out the main objectives and strategy of the Scottish Government in relation to improving outcomes for island communities. The Plan sets out 13 Strategic Objectives which are practical, common sense, but will also be critical over the next five years to improving the quality of life for island communities. Click 'Accept all cookies' to agree to all cookies that collect anonymous data. The National Islands Plan provides a framework for action in order to meaningfully improve outcomes for island communities. experience. Visit 'Set cookie preferences' to control specific cookies. We use cookies to collect anonymous data to help us improve your site browsing The Islands (Scotland) Act which was passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2018 sets out the purpose of the National Islands Plan. Against the backdrop of Brexit and COVID-19, the Scottish Government continues to support our island communities through the Plan and its accompanying Implementation Route Map. These commitments will support our work to address the challenges that face all of Scotland's islands as we move towards a Just Transition. I am particularly proud to report that we have started the successful roll out of our 30 million Islands Programme. Whether you are commuting, visiting for a day, staying for an extended vacation, or enjoying one of our specialty or music cruises - Casco Bay Lines is your fun, safe, reliable and convenient connection to the islands. We will continue to work closely with communities and the public agencies which support and serve those communities in the implementation of this Plan and its actions. In response, over the past 12 months we have prioritised work which best supports a green recovery and long-term sustainability across our islands as we take forward delivery of the Plan. I am delighted to present the Scottish Government's second annual report on our delivery of the National Islands Plan for 2021. The National Islands Plan contains a number of commitments designed to improve outcomes for island communities as they move towards carbon neutrality. The Scottish Government's Islands Bond initiative sets out a proposal to give 100 grants to people moving to the Highlands and Islands. We are committed to supporting and protecting Scotlands islands and to proudly promoting them as wonderful places to live, to visit, to work and to study. We welcome the opportunity to do so. Islanders are extremely resilient and innovative and are determined to play their part and indeed, want to be at the very forefront of, responding effectively to the climate emergency. The money would be used to help people buy property, build new homes, renovate existing buildings or . Your cookie preferences have been saved.