Consultation on free bus travel for under 19s
The Scottish Government recently conducted a consultation on providing free bus travel for under 19’s. We welcomed this proposal and requested it be extended to cover free ferry travel for …
Island Community Impact Assessments
A key part of the Islands (Scotland) Act, Island Community Impact Assessments are due to come into force later this month. The Scottish Government recently conducted a consultation on the …
Short Term Lets
Short-term lets feature significantly in the sustainability of island communities, supporting economic growth, services and supply chains through tourism as well ashousing the many essential contract and project workers that …
Impact of COVID-19 on Island Communities
Communication with our SIF members since the start of lockdown enabled us to understand and gather insight into the many issues we face as island communities as a result of …
Advisory group on economic recovery
The Advisory Group on Economic Recovery was established by the Scottish Government to provide independent expert advice on supporting the sectors and regions of Scotland’s economy to recover from the …
Construction and procurement of ferry vessels
Given the vital importance of connectivity to the sustainability of Scottish island communities, SIF welcomed the opportunity to contribute perspectives to this inquiry by the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee, …
What will replace EU Structural Funds?
The funding should seek to continue addressing the same challenges, making our region and especially the islands more competitive, fostering economic growth and creating new jobs, ensuring the right infrastructure …
Local energy & electric vehicles
By using renewable energy near to where it is generated, its financial value can be retained in the local economy, with reduced wastage associated with long distance transmission inefficiencies. Potentially, …
Deposit Return Scheme
Recognition of the importance of waste minimisation as integral to challenges of managing island refuse more sustainably, but also some questions about how the scheme will work for island shops …
Tourist Tax
SIF recognises the exciting potential for the proposed transient visitor levy to generate a new income stream to support the inclusive wellbeing, resilience and sustainability of island communities into the …