Issue - meetings

Presentation by the National Islands Plan Team Leader, Scottish Government

The Group heard a comprehensive presentation from Megan McWilliams on the development and renewal of the Scottish Government National Islands Plan for Scotland. Megan provided the background to the Plan from the Islands Scotland (2018) to the Scottish Islands Survey Report in September 2024.

Megan advised that the current national islands plan overarching objective is to improve outcomes for island communities and features 13 strategic objectives with over 130 commitments. Whereas, the new National Island Plan seeks to be a more agile document, with fewer strategic objectives with a focus on additionality, fewer commitments and a clear allocation of responsibilities.

Partners noted that there is dedicated resource and capital budget to support the implementation of the Plan and that investments delivered to date include over £15 million capital since 2021-2022 through the Islands Programme, 71 projects on 51 islands supported. Francesco further advised that since December 2022 £3.4 million had been awarded through the Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund.    

There was a question and answer session and it was noted that the PowerPoint presentation will be provided to the area community planning group.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the presentation.

(Reference: Presentation by Megan McWilliams, Scottish Government, dated 14 May 2025)