At the end of last year, the Scottish Government carried out a public consultation to inform a review of the National Islands Plan published in 2019. The consultation received 167 responses submitted by 39 organisations and 128 individuals. In addition, a total of 231 individuals participated in consultation workshops (13 in-person on islands and 3 online) facilitated by the Scottish Government’s Islands Team.
Following an independent analysis of the feedback received, you can see the final report setting out the main consultation findings here. A Gaelic version of the report is available here.
While the plan was seen as comprehensive and ambitious, respondents told highlighted that more remains to be done to deliver on the objective of improving outcomes for island communities. There was also broad consensus that a new National Islands Plan is required.
Having reviewed the findings and reflected on the numerous changes that have occurred since the publication of the current framework almost five years ago, Scottish Ministers have announced that work will now commence on the development of a second National Islands Plan. The new document will be informed by the results of the public consultation and will be shaped by close collaboration with island communities, island local authorities and delivery partners.