National Islands Plan: Fairer Scotland Duty

Conclusion

The nature, purpose and objectives of the National Islands Plan are inherently aligned with the aims of the Fairer Scotland Duty. The Plan has been developed with a clear focus on addressing inequalities of outcome arising from socio-economic disadvantage in island communities, and its strategic approach reflects the place-based, preventative and proportionate principles underpinning the Duty. This assessment confirms that the Plan’s existing objectives and actions are consistent with the Fairer Scotland Duty and that it gives due and appropriate regard to the needs of people experiencing socio-economic disadvantage.

The Plan explicitly recognises the distinctive and compounding nature of island disadvantage, and includes measures intended to mitigate impacts on people on low incomes, those experiencing material deprivation, and households with low or no wealth. Where potential limitations or risks have been identified, these relate primarily to implementation, delivery timescales or external dependencies, rather than to the design or intent of the Plan itself. The Plan’s commitments to targeted support, partnership working, improved evidence and ongoing monitoring provide appropriate mechanisms to manage these risks.

On this basis, the assessment confirms that the National Islands Plan is consistent with the Fairer Scotland Duty and that no further amendments to the Plan are required at this stage