National Islands Plan: equality impact assessment

The Scope of the EQIA

The EQIA considered all components of the National Islands Plan, including its strategic objectives, population focus, commitments to service accessibility, economic development, transport, digital connectivity, climate resilience and community empowerment. The assessment examined impacts on each protected characteristic: age, disability, sex, pregnancy and maternity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, and marriage/civil partnership.

The scope was informed by a review of evidence drawn from: • Scotland’s Census 2022 data and population projections • the Scottish Islands Survey (2023) • local authority demographic and service data • stakeholder engagement from the 2023 public consultation • the Island Communities Impact Assessment • local authority and community submissions • research on equality, island accessibility and demographic change

Given the small population sizes in many island communities, which can make disaggregation challenging, the EQIA placed significant emphasis on qualitative evidence, lived experience, and local stakeholder feedback.

The EQIA also examined the interaction between population-focused policymaking and equalities considerations. This ensured that efforts to attract economically active people, support young populations or develop infrastructure did not inadvertently disadvantage older people, disabled people or other protected groups.