Meeting of the Parliament 21 May 2025
I am sorry; I am approaching the end of my speech and I need to progress.
While the new national islands plan takes shape, our determination to continue addressing islanders’ challenges and ambitions is already fully reflected in the latest budget and programme for government. On transport, we have introduced free interisland ferry travel for all residents of Shetland, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides who are under the age of 22, and we have extended the free travel voucher scheme.
Another key project that I want to address is the carbon neutral islands project. The Scottish Government continues to take its climate obligations seriously, and we recognise that our islands are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. From the outset, communities have been central to the project, and we have directly supported the employment of community development officers to lead delivery on the ground. There have been several key achievements to date but, to build on those early successes, we have worked closely with island stakeholders and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to develop a financing road map, which is being published today. It sets out a range of initiatives that are in development. We will continue to invest in the islands, with a further £1.6 million of capital allocated this financial year.
The Government is committed to working with our island communities to deliver on their priorities. The next iteration of the national islands plan will build on the progress that has been made to date. As with any work that we undertake—whether it is the development of the new plan, the carbon neutral islands project or all the other activities that I have mentioned—we are deeply conscious of doing things with, and not to, island communities.
I look forward to today’s debate and to continuing to work collaboratively to deliver positive change for our islands. I move the motion on empowering Scotland’s island communities,
That the Parliament recognises Scotland’s islands’ invaluable contribution to Scotland’s economy, culture and identity; welcomes the investments that have accompanied Scotland’s first ever national islands plan; recognises the positive impact that the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 has had, but notes the need for further action to tackle island challenges; welcomes the extensive community engagement to develop the new national islands plan, and notes that measures to address depopulation and create community wealth should be key themes of the new plan; further welcomes the positive progress and impact of the Carbon Neutral Islands project, and agrees that the Scottish Government should continue to work towards prosperous and sustainable island communities.
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