National Islands Plan 2026: island communities impact assessment

4. Consultation and Engagement

The publication of Scotland’s first National Islands Plan in December 2019 marked a significant milestone in the relationship between the Scottish Government and island communities. As the first policy of its kind in the UK, and among a small number internationally, the Plan recognised the distinct circumstances of island areas and set out a wide-ranging programme of actions aimed at improving outcomes for islanders. Delivered in line with the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018, the Plan placed island communities at the centre of national policy-making and promoted greater coordination across government in relation to policies and investment affecting island life.

The structure and content of the first Plan were informed by extensive engagement with island communities and local authorities. This engagement shaped the development of thirteen Strategic Objectives and more than 130 individual commitments. Since publication, annual reports have provided transparency and accountability by keeping the Scottish Parliament and the public informed of progress in implementation.

In accordance with the requirements of the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018, the National Islands Plan underwent a full statutory review in 2023. This review was informed by a wide-ranging public consultation, including in-person events, online workshops and a dedicated consultation portal, enabling islanders, stakeholders and delivery partners to provide detailed feedback on the Plan’s impact and effectiveness. An independent report summarising the consultation findings was published in April 2024, and its conclusions have directly informed the development of this renewed Plan.

The review confirmed that while progress has been made, significant challenges remain. The renewed National Islands Plan responds directly to the evidence and feedback gathered through the review and consultation process, and represents a continuation and strengthening of the dialogue with island communities and local government. It builds on the human rights-based approach established in the first Plan and reflects recommendations from the Scottish Human Rights Commission to further support the realisation of rights across island areas. The Plan also aligns with the Scottish Government’s four overarching priorities on child poverty, the economy, climate action and public services, ensuring that island needs and opportunities are fully reflected within national delivery frameworks.

Direct engagement with islanders and their lived experience has been central to the development of this renewed Plan. In-person engagement took place across all island areas, complemented by online sessions to widen participation and capture a broad range of perspectives. Local authorities have been close and constructive partners throughout the process, with their expertise and practical insights, alongside community feedback, playing a key role in shaping the Plan’s priorities, Strategic Objectives and actions.

Development of the Plan has also been informed by collaboration with a wide range of public bodies and agencies, including Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Crown Estate Scotland, NatureScot and Consumer Scotland. This collective input has helped ensure that the Plan reflects the wider landscape of island-facing policies and investment, while identifying where the National Islands Plan can add distinct value. As set out in the accompanying Implementation Route Map, this multi-agency approach will continue through delivery.

The consultation undertaken in 2023 demonstrated strong support for a renewed National Islands Plan with a clearer focus and a reduced number of Strategic Objectives and commitments. While the first Plan was recognised as ambitious and comprehensive, respondents highlighted that its breadth made it difficult to distinguish which actions were directly driven by the Plan itself. This feedback, alongside evidence from monitoring and reporting, has informed the development of a leaner, more targeted framework.

In response, the renewed Plan reduces the number of Strategic Objectives from thirteen to seven and places greater emphasis on forward-looking, deliverable actions that can be clearly attributed to the Plan. It retains a strong focus on mapping interdependencies across government while prioritising commitments that respond directly to island challenges and opportunities. Each commitment is supported by a delivery timeframe and identified delivery partners, strengthening transparency, accountability and clarity of responsibility.

Looking ahead, the renewed National Islands Plan acts as a bridge between national ambitions and local realities. It draws together all available evidence, engagement and learning to support sustainable population retention and attraction, a fair transition to Net Zero, resilient island economies and thriving communities. In doing so, it responds to intensifying challenges such as climate change, demographic change and the cost of living, while recognising and building on the strengths, innovation and resilience that continue to define island life.