National Islands Plan: draft

Annex A – Implementation Route Map

The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires the Scottish Government to review the existing National Islands Plan within five years. Therefore, the delivery timescale of the commitments within this Plan are split over the short-term (within one to two years), medium term (within one to four years), and long term (within one to five years). This Implementation Route Map lists the commitments under each Strategic Objective, documenting timescales and delivery partners. We will work and engage with delivery partners – as well as the business community, third sector and other local organisations where relevant – to ensure the successful implementation of these commitments.

Connectivity

Commitment

1. We will provide advice and practical support to local authorities to help them progress their fleet replacement plans.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

Local authorities

Commitment

2. We will work with public bodies delivering ferry services and infrastructure to improve and increase the reach of Board appointment campaigns amongst island communities and strengthen residency criteria for future positions. Under the new Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services contract, we will work with the Ferries Community Board to further increase its role and voice.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

• CalMac
• CMAL

Commitment

3. We will publish the Ferries Accessibility Standard in 2026 and open a new Islands Transport Accessibility Fund whose remit will include both ferries and aviation infrastructure.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

• CalMac
• NorthLink

Commitment

4. We will monitor and evaluate the uptake and impacts of the new under-22s concessionary ferry travel schemes and consider potential enhancements.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

• Young Islanders Network
• Ferries Community Board Operators
• Local authorities
• Regional Transport Partnerships

Commitment

5. We will explore options to support island businesses, including alternatives to the current ferry freight fare subsidies, to identify approaches that offer better value for money and respond more directly to business needs, remaining cognisant of the higher costs of doing business on islands.

Timescale

Long

Commitment

6. We will work with the UK Government to implement a Highlands and Islands exemption to the Air Departure Tax that protects connectivity and complies with the UK Government’s subsidy control legislation. We will engage with island communities and stakeholders to inform further policy development as we progress towards implementation.

Timescale

Medium

Delivery Partners

UK Government

Commitment

7. Working closely with island communities, local authorities and partners, we will take forward detailed appraisals for the three potential fixed links identified in STPR2.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

Local authorities

Commitment

8. We will support local authorities’ exploration of financing models and promote investment opportunities in fixed links projects.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• Scottish Futures Trust
• Scottish National Investment Bank
• Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Commitment

9. We will support partners to deliver sustainable infrastructure elements of the Stornoway, Tarbert (Harris), Lochmaddy, Lochboisdale, Castlebay and Kirkwall Active Travel Masterplans, with a focus on where these align with supporting integrated journeys at ferry terminals. We will also support partners to deliver sustainable transport masterplans for Bowmore and Tobermory.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• HITRANS

Commitment

10. We will work with Orkney Islands Council and Historic Environment Scotland to complete the Stenness Movement Study (Maeshowe – Stones of Stenness – Brodgar corridor) as part of the Orkney World Heritage Site Programme within the Islands Growth Deal. This will support the development of a heritage-sensitive sustainable travel plan, with insights and learning shared with other island communities.

Timescale

Medium

Delivery Partners

• Orkney Islands Council
• Historic Environment Scotland

Commitment

11. We will deliver smart, interoperable ticketing and better travel data for island passengers, including support for multi-modal and concessionary travel, in partnership with the National Smart Ticketing Advisory Board.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

• National Smart Ticketing Advisory Board
• Traveline Scotland
• Local authorities
• Ferry operators
• Regional Transport Partnerships

Commitment

12. We will support the expansion of the public EV charging networks, providing reliable, accessible infrastructure in the right places for visitors and residents.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• Regional Transport Partnerships
• Charge point operators

Commitment

13. We will carry out a mapping exercise to monitor broadband delivery, identify gaps in gigabit-capable coverage, and inform discussions with industry and UK Government on future digital connectivity investments for islands.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

• UK Government
• Providers

Commitment

14. We will aim to align delivery of our Reaching 100% (R100) contracts with Project Gigabit contracts to maximise island coverage. In Spring 2026, we will announce the outcome of the regional Project Gigabit procurement to further extend gigabit-capable broadband coverage to over 13,000 eligible premises across Orkney and Shetland.

Timescale

Medium

Commitment

15. We will take forward a programme of trials to support our understanding of viable technologies and commercial models that have the ability to improve mobile coverage in unserved and underserved areas. This will include trialling the deployment of small cells as a method of addressing coverage gaps.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

• Scottish Futures Trust
• Mobile operators

Commitment

16. We will roll out digital skills training in island communities, beginning with a pilot tailored on the farming and crofting sectors to improve confidence in using the rural payments portal.

Timescale

Medium

Delivery Partners

• Community Clicks
• Version 1

Housing

Commitment

1. Through refreshed Local Housing Strategy guidance for local authorities, we will introduce robust requirements about the distinct housing needs of island communities. In addition, refreshed guidance on Housing Need and Demand Assessments will include strengthened focus on localised housing needs and working in partnership with local communities.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• Scottish Housing Network

Commitment

2. We will support the delivery of affordable homes across island communities by increasing available investment through the Rural and Island Housing Fund to £37 million to March 2028 and by raising feasibility support to up to £20,000 per project.

Timescale

Short

Commitment

3. We will encourage communities to come forward to local authorities and Registered Social Landlords with project proposals for the Rural Affordable Homes for Key Workers Fund where opportunities are identified.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• Registered Social Landlords
• Communities Housing Trust

Commitment

4. Subject to parliamentary approval, we will exempt all island developments from the proposed Scottish Building Safety Levy.

Timescale

Short

Commitment

5. We will work to increase the volume of private funding enabling the delivery of housing developments on islands, supporting the role of SME housebuilders. This will include close partnerships with developers, public bodies and the Scottish National Investment Bank.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

Scottish National Investment Bank

Commitment

6. We will work with partners, including the Scottish National Investment Bank, to develop a pipeline of investment opportunities, support the delivery of more homes on islands and build delivery capacity. This will include consideration of the role of multi-site delivery structures.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

Scottish National Investment Bank

Commitment

7. We will engage with island local authorities to monitor the implementation of short-term let regulations and review initiatives to reduce the number of empty homes, identifying opportunities to share good practice.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

Local authorities

Commitment

8. We will provide match funding through the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership to support Empty Homes Officer roles within Orkney Islands Council and the Highland Council. We will explore similar opportunities with other island local authorities.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• Scottish Empty Homes Partnership

Commitment

9. We will deliver additional funding for the continuation of the Argyll & Bute Empty Homes and Key Worker Housing project as part of a financial package for local initiatives aimed at returning empty homes into use.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• Scottish Empty Home Partnership
• Third sector partners

Commitment

10. Subject to parliamentary approval, we will remove the 100% limit on the level of council tax premium that can be applied to second and long-term empty homes.

Timescale

Short

Commitment

11. In consultation with planning authorities and building standards verifiers, we will explore the development of island home templates that meet the needs of island communities.

Timescale

Medium

Delivery Partners

• Scottish Islands Federation
• Local authorities
• Building Standards Verifiers

Commitment

12. Working with partners, including public bodies, landowners and the Scottish National Investment Bank, we will explore opportunities to unlock land to support the delivery of more homes on islands.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

• Scottish National Investment Bank
• Scottish Land and Estates
• Senior Public Sector Landowners Group
• Crofting Commission

Health and Social Care

Commitment

1. By early 2026, we will provide funding to HITRANS to develop a Health and Transport Action Plan (HTAP) for the Highlands and Islands, including demand assessments and structured engagement between transport providers and health boards.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

• Regional Transport Partnerships
• NHS Boards
• Local authorities

Commitment

2. We will work with NHS Boards covering islands to identify a transport lead to coordinate delivery under the new HTAP, ensuring local needs are reflected and coordinated across health and transport systems.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

NHS Boards

Commitment

3. We will support the expansion of Hospital at Home services in island communities through upskilling staff, point-of-care testing, and remote monitoring. This will reduce the need for travel, maintain local economies, support ageing populations, and improve access to urgent and unscheduled care.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

NHS Boards

Commitment

4. We will ensure island communities benefit from digital prescribing solutions. This will improve medication safety, access, and management for older people and those with multiple conditions, supporting continuity of care and reducing reliance on physical travel for repeat prescriptions.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

NHS Boards

Commitment

5. We will ensure that the action plan accompanying the new Long-Term Conditions Framework has a specific focus on improving equality of access to care and support for island communities.

Timescale

Medium

Delivery Partners

• NHS Boards
• Third sector organisations

Commitment

6. We will work with island Boards and their partners to define core services and delivery models that ensure equitable access for island populations. This includes care delivered in communities rather than requiring travel off-island.

Timescale

Medium

Delivery Partners

NHS Boards

Commitment

7. We will pilot remote diagnostic technologies in at least two island communities by the end of 2026, supporting earlier diagnosis and reducing the need for travel.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

NHS Boards

Commitment

8. As we develop the Primary Care Route Map during 2026, we will consider the feasibility of island-specific workforce incentives.

Timescale

Short

Commitment

9. In early 2026, we will support tailored rollout of the Getting It Right for Everyone (GIRFE) approach in island Health and Social Care Partnerships, assisting staff with training and adaptation.

Timescale

Medium

Delivery Partners

Health and Social Care Partnerships

Commitment

10. We will work with education and workforce partners to pilot “Earn as You Learn” (EAYL) digital training for Allied Health Professionals (AHP) in island communities. This will support the development of a sustainable pipeline of qualified AHPs and reduce reliance on agency staffing.

Timescale

Medium

Commitment

11. Over the course of 2026, we will monitor the impact of revised incentives on NHS dental service uptake in island communities, with a specific focus on improving access to general dental services (high street dentistry). In addition, we will explore alternative models of care and workforce incentives to further support the role of the Public Dental Service (PDS) in island areas, especially for patients with complex needs.

Timescale

Medium

Delivery Partners

• NHS National Service Scotland
• NHS Boards
• British Dental Association Scotland

Commitment

12. In early 2026, we will convene an advisory group – including community representatives – to explore alternative models of dental service provision in island areas. The group will consider options beyond traditional high street and Public Dental Service models, including alternative ownership structures to support financial sustainability.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

• NHS NSS (NHS Delivery)
• NHS Boards
• Health and Social Care Partnerships
• British Dental Association Scotland

Commitment

13. We will create new mental wellbeing resources tailored for island communities and make them available on the Mind-to-Mind website. This will include culturally relevant materials, such as additional resources in Gaelic, to support inclusive access and engagement.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

• NHS 24
• Healthcare Improvement Scotland
• Gaelic language partners
• NHS Boards

Commitment

14. We will deliver mental health training in partnership with young people in island communities, with the aim of creating a network of mental health champions. This initiative will help reduce stigma, increase peer support, and build community resilience.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

• Change Mental Health
• Young Islanders Network Third sector organisations
• Local schools

15.

Commitment

15. Over the course of this Plan, we will identify opportunities where new infrastructure investment – for instance, in renewables and housing – can deliver added value for health and social care. This includes exploring the repurposing of disused assets to support workforce accommodation or future service provision.

Timescale

Long

Commitment

16. We will work across government portfolios to improve access to funded learning pathways for working-age adults in island communities, particularly those entering support worker roles. This includes addressing barriers related to cohort size, funding eligibility, and remote learning infrastructure.

Timescale

Long

Economy, Education and Skills

Commitment

1. We will support a campaign across island parishes to provide information on croft succession planning, gather views on key areas of concern for crofters and highlight the work of the Scottish Land Matching Service.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

Crofting Commission

Commitment

2. We will develop new training resources for island crofters to support active management of common grazings and encourage the establishment of new grazings committees.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

Crofting Commission

Commitment

3. Focusing on horticulture, we will establish and support a network of island food producers to strengthen local food resilience and retail opportunities.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

• Scotland Food and Drink
• Nourish Scotland
• Scottish Islands Federation

Commitment

4. We will support new training opportunities co-designed with island women who are interested in pursuing a career in agriculture and deliver enhanced support to encourage and empower women to become trainers in the agricultural sector on islands.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

• Lantra Scotland
• Scottish Crofting Federation
• Grass-Ceiling
• Women in Agriculture Group Scotland
• Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs

Commitment

5. We will provide targeted support that facilitates small producer access to abattoir services on our islands

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

• Highlands and Islands Enterprise
• Quality Meat Scotland

Commitment

6. We will undertake a feasibility study to inform discussions on increasing communities’ role in directly managing quota stocks, including options to run a pilot project in an island area.

Timescale

Medium

Delivery Partners

Local authorities

Commitment

7. We will work with public and private sector partners to ensure an efficient approach towards the fish farm consenting processes, remove duplication and enable a pathway for aquaculture development from 3 to 12 nautical miles.

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• Crown Estate Scotland Highlands and Islands Enterprise
• Scottish Environment Protection Agency
• NatureScot
• Fish Health Inspectorate
• Salmon Scotland

Commitment

8. We will engage with island communities, local authorities and businesses to inform the development of good practice principles for community benefits for aquaculture developments.

Timescale

Medium

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• Crown Estate Scotland
• Highlands and Islands Enterprise
• Salmon Scotland

Commitment

9. We will deliver tailored training programmes to grow skills and build capacity for island communities to steward sustainable tourism in ways that reflect their values and ensure that the economic, social and environmental benefits are retained locally.

Timescale

Medium

Delivery Partners

Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Commitment

10. Working with public and private partners, we will incorporate investment opportunities from across the islands into our national project pipeline and showcase ‘investment ready’ projects through the Invest Scotland online portal. We will also explore opportunities to bundle projects together to attract private investment on islands.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

• Highlands and Islands Enterprise
• Local Authorities

Commitment

11. We will explore opportunities to improve how net revenues from the Scottish Crown Estate support community infrastructure on islands.

Timescale

Medium

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• Crown Estate Scotland
• COSLA

Commitment

12. Crown Estate Scotland will engage offshore wind developers on their commitments to island supply chains and consider opportunities to invest in island ports.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

Crown Estate Scotland

Commitment

13. By April 2026, we will convene a roundtable with key partners to utilise evidence gathered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise on the challenges and potential solutions to delivering childcare services in island and rural communities. This will seek to agree practical recommendations for action that will be taken forward through key strategic groups such as the Convention of the Highlands and Islands, and the Islands Strategic Group.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• Highlands and Islands Enterprise
• Care and Learning Alliance
• Regulators

Commitment

14. In 2026, we will launch a consultation and introduce the necessary legislative changes to create a new definition for School Age Childcare within the regulatory framework. This would enable a review of workforce qualifications, supporting services to attract a more diverse workforce to address recruitment and retention challenge in island areas.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

• Care Inspectorate
• Scottish Social Services Council
• Scottish Out of School Care Network

Commitment

15. Through the Education and Childcare Assurance Board, we will work in partnership with COSLA to build considerations of our islands educational context into a wider workforce strategy.

Timescale

Medium

Delivery Partners

• Education Scotland
• Local authorities

Commitment

16. As part of a review of the Teacher Induction Scheme, we will consider additional measures and changes to encourage more graduate teachers to undertake probation in island locations.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

• COSLA
• Local authorities
• Scottish Council of Deans for Education
• The General Teaching Council for Scotland

Commitment

17. We will complete the construction of school infrastructure projects in Brae, Broadford, Kirkwall and Mull before the end of 2029, while working with COSLA, local authorities and Scottish Futures Trust to explore how we can deliver further improvements in the school estate across island areas.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• COSLA
• Scottish Futures Trust

Commitment

18. We will pilot an island scholarship scheme for postgraduate students to address skills shortages in locally-identified priority sectors.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

• Heriot-Watt University
• Orkney Islands Council
• Skills Development Scotland
• Scottish Funding Council

Commitment

19. We will work with further and higher education institutions to attract international students and staff to our islands, including through the joint implementation of the Destination Scotland campaign, and to ensure that delivery of our International Education Strategy fully reflects the opportunities within island communities.

Timescale

Medium

Delivery Partners

• University of Highlands and Islands
• Heriot-Watt University
• Robert Gordon University

Commitment

We will work with island local authorities to convene localised workforce engagements that bring together employers, investors and public agencies to agree actions that address local skills shortages. This could include proposals for shared public-private investments, including through the Workforce North initiative.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• Skills Development Scotland
• Highlands and Islands Enterprise
• Further and Higher Education Inst.

Commitment

We will work with partners to promote Scotland’s Migration Service to island employers and investors, highlighting its support for those who wish to undertake international recruitment and retention activities.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

• Highlands and Islands Enterprise
• Scottish Islands Federation

Climate, Nature and Energy

Commitment

1. We will expand the network of “Climate Ready” regional partnerships to cover all island areas, with an initial focus on Na h-Eileanan Siar and Argyll and Bute in 2026.

Timescale

Medium

Delivery Partners

Local authorities

Commitment

2. We will pilot a “Climate Tips for Teachers” resource for island communities to foster open conversations about climate, reduce eco-distress and empower young islanders to act.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

Education Scotland

Commitment

3. We will launch a programme of targeted engagements by NatureScot to identify and implement Nature30 opportunities that increase coverage of land managed for nature in a way that works for island landowners and communities. This work will have an initial focus on crofted land.

Timescale

Medium

Delivery Partners

• Crofting Commission
• Scottish Crofting Federation
• NatureScot

Commitment

4. We will work with local authorities, regional partnerships and communities to encourage the development of Nature Networks that reflect the specific circumstances of each island community.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• NatureScot

Commitment

5. We will commission research to develop a comprehensive understanding of current and future threats to island biosecurity. This will inform more targeted actions and engagements to protect island environments and communities.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

NatureScot

Commitment

6. We will develop a public information campaign and deliver training for island communities to raise awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of peatland restoration, including for farming, crofting and other land-based businesses. Working with crofters and other stakeholders, we will also support restoration projects on Scottish Ministers’ Crofting Estates and develop solutions to encourage peatland restoration in other island crofting areas, with a particular focus on common grazings.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

NatureScot

Commitment

7. We will foster investment in island woodland projects that support a just transition and build community wealth.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• Woodland Trust Scotland
• Scottish Crofting Federation
• Point and Sandwick Trust
• Shetland Amenity Trust
• Orkney Woodland Project
• Communities Housing Trust
• Community Woodlands Association

Commitment

8. We will work with island communities, local authorities and businesses to co-design local circular economy solutions that align with the aims of Scotland’s Circular Economy and Waste Route Map as well as the forthcoming Circular Economy Strategy.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• Zero Waste Scotland
• SEPA
• Resource and waste sector

Commitment

9. We will refresh the Scottish Government's Good Practice Principles for Community Benefits, so that these arrangements deliver sustainable, meaningful impacts and meet the needs of communities.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• Energy infrastructure developers

Commitment

10. We will expand the scope of the Carbon Neutral Islands Project (CNI), sharing tools and knowledge with other islands across Scotland whilst supporting our CNI communities to access climate finance for long-term investment in decarbonisation.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• Highlands and Islands Enterprise
• Third sector organisations

Commitment

11. We will work with island communities and local authorities to help homeowners and businesses reduce their building emissions.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• Community Councils

Commitment

12. We will undertake engagement with island communities, fuel suppliers and the UK Government to discuss means of mitigating the challenges facing island consumers who use alternative fuels for heating, including options to develop credit facilities.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

UK Government

Poverty, Cost of Living and Social Justice

Commitment

1. We will ensure that barriers to take-up that impact island communities are considered as part of the development of the next Benefit Take-Up Strategy, due by October 2026.

Timescale

Short

Commitment

2. Social Security Scotland plans to undertake additional analysis on the experiences of island communities compared to other parts of Scotland, setting out notable differences in social research publications to inform future delivery.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

Social Security Scotland

Commitment

3. We will ensure the learning and insights from the Shetland Fairer Futures Partnership and the Whole Family Support approach are shared with other island areas, improving our understanding of what measures are effective in tackling child poverty among island communities.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• Third sector organisations

Commitment

4. We will review the guidance on the development of Local Child Poverty Action Reports and consider how to best reflect the distinct challenges facing island communities.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

• COSLA
• Public Health Scotland
• Improvement Service
• Third sector organisations

Commitment

5. We will engage with the UK Government on energy market reforms, advocating for greater clarity on the implications for bill-payers and encouraging the development of a support package to tackle fuel poverty.

Timescale

Long

Commitment

We will explore the possibility of using local authority level data to investigate the impact of an energy social tariff on island communities.

Timescale

Medium

Commitment

7. We will establish a dedicated working group bringing together Disabled People's Organisations, island local authorities, and community representatives to gain a comprehensive understanding of the barriers faced by disabled people living on islands.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• Disabled People's Organisations

Commitment

8. We will support island-based energy consumers to access help and advice on energy costs, metering and decarbonisation by working with advice bodies to develop services that are tailored to their needs.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

• Consumer Scotland
• Advice Direct Scotland
• Citizens Advice Scotland
• Home Energy Scotland

Commitment

9. Informed by Consumer Scotland’s research and recommendations, we will engage with UK Government, Royal Mail, Post Office, Ofcom, and parcel delivery companies to ensure island communities and businesses can access essential services, including banking and equitable postal and delivery services.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

Consumer Scotland

Commitment

10. We will work with local authorities and other key stakeholders to capture and apply learning from disruption affecting island communities, helping to strengthen preparedness and response planning, including in relation to digital infrastructure and food resilience.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

Local authorities

Empowered Communities and Culture

Commitment

1. We will actively support island local authorities to explore, pursue and implement additional powers, where these can strengthen local decision-making and deliver better outcomes for island communities.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

Local authorities

Commitment

2. We will publish detailed plans and timelines for implementation of Single Authority Models in Orkney, Na h-Eileanan Siar and Argyll and Bute by the end of this Parliament. Early implementation will focus on deeper integration across key services in local government and health and social care, with potential for new governance arrangements to encompass a broader suite of functions.

Timescale

Short

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• Health Boards
• Integration Joint Boards

Commitment

3. We will identify practical improvements and set out clear, targeted actions to support consistent and robust application of ICIAs across all relevant areas, and work with public authorities and island communities to embed them more systematically in policy development and decision-making. This will include commissioning advice from island organisations to identify best practice in community engagement, with a particular focus on involving young people.

Timescale

Medium

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• Scottish Islands Federation
• Young Islanders Network

Commitment

4. We will conduct a new iteration of the Scottish Islands Survey in 2026-27.

Timescale

Short

Commitment

5. We will support community-led approaches to gathering island-level data to improve local understanding of trends and aid local planning. This will include a demonstrator project, with learning shared with other island communities

Timescale

Medium

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• Scottish Islands Federation

Commitment

6. We will establish a training programme for island communities so they are empowered to participate in planning processes, including through the development of Local Place Plans and Community Action Plans.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

• Planning Aid Scotland
• Scottish Islands Federation
• Young Islanders Network

Commitment

7. We will support the continuation and expansion of the Even Here, Even Now project to include all island areas, promoting island culture, heritage and languages.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

Creative Scotland

Commitment

8. We will support young islanders to celebrate and grow their islands' heritage, both locally, across Scotland and on the international stage.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

Young Islanders Network

Commitment

9. We will support the establishment of a network of Gaelic development officers. This will aid the creation of new Gaelic hubs, encourage inter-island collaboration on language development and highlight socio-economic opportunities connected to the use of Gaelic.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

• Bòrd na Gàidhlig
• Highlands and Islands Enterprise
• Local authorities
• University of the Highlands and Islands

Commitment

10. We will expand Gaelic medium education provision on islands from early years to secondary levels, including through increased support for GME teachers and the establishment of a new GME secondary school.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• University of the Highlands and Islands

Commitment

11. We will ensure the implementation of the National Islands Plan supports the development of guidance concerning Areas of Linguistic Significance. This will include enhancing the gathering of language data through future iterations of the Scottish Islands Survey.

Timescale

Medium

Delivery Partners

• Bòrd na Gàidhlig
• Highlands and Islands Enterprise
• Local authorities

Commitment

12. We will work with local authorities that include traditional Gaelic areas to assess the economic contribution of Gaelic and Gaelic broadcasting to their island communities. We will identify lessons that can support local language promotion and community regeneration in other island areas, for instance in relation to Orcadian and Shetlandic.

Timescale

Medium

Delivery Partners

• Local authorities
• Highlands and Islands Enterprise
• MGAlba

Commitment

13. We will ensure that the delivery of the BSL National Plan is responsive to the barriers faced by users in island communities.

Timescale

Long

Delivery Partners

• British Deaf Association
• Deafblind Scotland
• The ALLIANCE
• National Deaf Children’s Society
• Scottish Ethnic Minority Deaf Charity