Scotland's Fourth Land Use Strategy: islands communities impact assessment

4. Assessment

Does your assessment identify any unique impacts on island communities?

No.

Does your assessment identify any potential barriers or wider impacts?

Some consultees have suggested challenges faced by island communities arising from transport and lack of opportunities to diversify land use. Whilst the LUS4 sets the strategic direction of integrated land use, it will be for the delivery plan to consider specific actions to support more integration and remove barriers. Going forward the strategy and delivery plan will seek to align policies to remove barriers, and as part of this process any specific barriers facing island communities will be considered and addressed as appropriate.

How will you address these?

As we develop the actions of the LUS4 further within the delivery plan we will consider how these address potential barriers identified so far and what impacts these will have, and assess if any further actions are required in order to mitigate any barriers or adverse impacts.

Is the strategy likely to have an effect on an island community which is significantly different from its effect on other communities (including other island communities)?

For the reasons set out above, the LUS4 will not have an effect which is significantly different from its effect on other communities.

ICIA approved by: Anna Densham

Position: Deputy Director for Land Reform, Rural and Islands Policy

Date approved: 4 February 2026