National Islands Plan

Monitoring Delivery of the National Islands Plan

A robust and transparent monitoring process will be key to ensuring the effective delivery of this National Islands Plan.

The Implementation Route Map sets out delivery timeframes and partners involved in implementing each commitment. Throughout the Plan, we have also aimed to articulate the rationale behind each action and its intended impact – both in advancing the relevant Strategic Objective and in supporting the Plan’s overarching population goals.

The Scottish Islands Data Dashboard will remain the principal source of evidence for the implementation of the Plan, linking to relevant research and publications. We will refresh its structure to mirror the content and Strategic Objectives of this new Plan. This update will focus on clarity of presentation while maintaining comprehensive underlying data, making it easier to identify both positive progress and challenges.

We will also conduct a new iteration of the Scottish Islands Survey to better understand the evolving needs and experiences of island communities.

As required by the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018, we will continue to submit Annual Reports to the Scottish Parliament, setting out the tangible actions taken to deliver the commitments in this Plan and our progress against its Strategic Objectives. Going forward, Annual Reports will include more detailed information on Island Communities Impact Assessments (ICIAs) completed by the Scottish Government, and on the engagements undertaken to gather island communities’ views during the development of policies, strategies and services. Reports will continue to be published on the Scottish Government website.

Following publication of the Plan and within the first three years of implementation, we will work with stakeholders to develop an outcomes framework to clarify and help prioritise how activities and investments will achieve intended objectives. This will inform any adjustments to the Plan for the remainder of its lifespan and the early stages of preparation for the next iteration.

Feedback from the consultation process highlighted the importance of creating more regular and accessible opportunities for communities to influence the implementation of the National Islands Plan. Once Annual Reports have been laid before Parliament, we will deliver a programme of public engagement to raise awareness of their content and invite input to future priorities. These engagements will include both in-person events and annual Islands Conversation webinars, providing a platform to share progress, celebrate achievements and gather views. This approach will ensure that island communities remain involved throughout implementation, fostering an open and collaborative review cycle.

We will also review the Terms of Reference of the Islands Strategic Group, which brings together Scottish Ministers and Leaders of the six island local authorities, to strengthen its role as a forum for monitoring and, where necessary, adjusting the implementation of the Plan.

In line with the provisions of the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018, a full review of this Plan will be carried out within five years of publication.