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Scottish Government has launched its first National Islands Plan with measures to improve outcomes for island communities.<\/h3>\nScottish Government has launched its first National Islands Plan with measures to improve outcomes for island communities.<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
gov.scot writes:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Scotland\u2019s first National Islands Plan to improve the quality of life for island communities has been launched.<\/p>\n
The plan sets out 13 objectives, and more than 100 specific measures to support achieving them, to address population decline, tackle climate change and improve transport, housing, the delivery of public services and digital connectivity.<\/p>\n
It follows an extensive consultation which included 61 events and meetings on 40 islands across Scotland and attended by almost 1,000 people of all ages and backgrounds. The online consultation received a further 400 responses.<\/p>\n
Scotland\u2019s Islands Minister Paul Wheelhouse said:<\/p>\n
\u201cI am proud to introduce Scotland\u2019s first National Islands Plan – an historic milestone that began with the passing of the Islands (Scotland) Act last year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe plan has been created with the input of many islanders and those with a stake in our islands\u2019 future and I am extremely grateful for all their contributions and ideas.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince spring this year, we have visited 40 islands, engaged online and consulted with stakeholders. I hope those who took part will recognise this unparalleled level of engagement with islanders has been captured in the final plan and that the plan reflects the priorities identified by those who live and work in these communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe plan is a key milestone, but it cannot be allowed to just sit on a shelf – I now look forward to working with colleagues and partner organisations to put the plan into action. Through the plan\u2019s development, Scotland is showing our island communities that they are very important to our nation, we care about their futures and that their voices are strong and being heard.\u201d<\/p>\n
Background<\/strong><\/p>\n The\u00a0National Islands Plan<\/a>\u00a0is a key outcome from the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 and provides a framework for action to meaningfully improve outcomes for Scotland’s island communities.<\/p>\n