Island Data & Research.

Reliable island level data is crucial to build a better understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities of island communities, communicate these effectively and inform, influence and monitor change. SIF supports the work of a number of research organisations including:

Scottish Islands Research Network: SIF is delighted to be part of this new network that aims to build better connections and collaborations between island communities and researchers.  This work is being led by Dr Rosie Alexander, University of the West of Scotland; Dr Bobby Macaulay, University of the Highlands and Islands; and Dr Becky Ford, University of the Highlands and Islands, with support from a wide network of island researchers and communities.

Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services Division (RESAS): Scottish Government funded research operating under the title of the Scottish Environment, Food and Agriculture Research Institutes (SEFARI) – https://sefari.scot/research

James Hutton Institute:  is involved in a number of island projects including, Scottish Island Typology, Housing, repopulating Scotland’s islands and remote working – three challenges for our rural communities, Islands Revival and Research on the Edge, JHI also conducts the Scottish Island Survey to help review the National Islands Plan.

SRUC Policy Centre: aims to create a knowledge hub for rural Scotland, working with researchers, businesses and communities to share experiences and contribute evidence-based research to rural policy in Scotland.

SCELG: Strathclyde Centre for Environmental Law and Governance has driven a number of island-based projects and supported the community consultation around the first National Islands Plan.

CoDeL: community-based research set up in Uist in 2018 to analyse micro-trends in islands and rural areas of Scotland, contribute positively to community development based on a deeper understanding of what is actually happening in small communities, and create opportunities for younger people to influence and reshape their local communities.

Greening the Islands: unique platform to share knowledge, disseminate good practices, and raise awareness about islands’ challenges and opportunities