Listening to island communities

Island residents are being encouraged to share their views on their experience of living, working and accessing services on Scotland’s islands.

Their feedback will help shape policies and investment aimed at improving outcomes for islanders.

Islands Minister Jim Fairlie is promoting participation in the latest Scottish Islands Survey during a visit to Arran.

Around 20,000 households have been randomly selected from across all island regions and invited to participate in the survey, which covers topics including housing, transport, healthcare and the cost of living.

Mr Fairlie said:

“The Scottish Islands Survey is a national listening exercise that allows our island communities to share their views and ambitions directly with us. It provides island-specific data to inform and monitor our policies, not least the implementation of our new National Islands Plan.

“Continuing to listen to our island communities is vital to ensuring that we respond to their priorities and needs, in line with our vision of strengthening long-term resilience and prosperity across island areas. Only islanders can give us the full picture on what it is really like to live, work and access services in Scotland's islands. I am determined to not just listen but hear their voice.

“I want to encourage all islanders to complete the survey questionnaire if they have been selected, ensuring future decisions are based on their direct experiences and helping set the priorities we need to focus on going forward.”

Luke Fraser, Chair of the Scottish Islands Federation, said:

“Scotland’s islands are diverse, with each community facing its own challenges and opportunities. The Scottish Islands Survey is an important opportunity to capture these different experiences and ensure that the voices of islanders help shape future decisions that will impact our islands and their long-term sustainability.

“We encourage those invited to take part and hope the findings will lead to policies and investment that make a real difference to island communities.”

Chris Martin, Research Director of Ipsos Scotland said:

“If you've been invited to take part in the Scottish Islands Survey, please do so. Islanders know their communities best. Every response helps ensure the voices and experiences of island communities are reflected in the evidence used to inform future decisions.”

Background

National Islands Plan - gov.scot

The Scottish Islands Survey is being carried out by Ipsos (an independent survey agency) on behalf of the Scottish Government. Further information about Ipsos can be found at: www.ipsos.com

The survey is open to individuals aged 18+. Invitations have been sent to households and up to two individuals per household can take part.

This is the third iteration of the Scottish Islands Survey, after similar exercises were carried out in 2020 and 2023.

The survey delivers on one of the commitments included in the Scottish Government’s new National Islands Plan launched in February 2026.

Results will be published in 2027.