Islands
Scotland’s islands are profoundly important to our identity as a nation, contributing hugely to our culture, economy and society. The Scottish Government is working alongside our islands to build empowered, sustainable and successful communities.
This page covers:
- The National Islands Plan
- Island Community Impact Assessments (ICIA)
- The Carbon Neutral Islands Project
- The Islands Programme
- The Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund
For more full details on the work the Scottish Government is doing to support islands please see Empowering our island communities.
National Islands Plan
Scotland’s new National Islands Plan was published in February 2026. Its development was informed by extensive engagement with island communities, local authorities and a wide range of partners.
Islands (Scotland) Act 2018
The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 recognises that Scottish islands face distinct circumstances and requires public authorities to consider the needs of island communities when exercising their functions. Measures included in the act include the requirement to develop a National Islands Plan “to set out the main objectives and strategy of the Scottish Ministers in relation to improving outcomes for island communities” and a legal duty to ‘island proof’ policies, strategies and services through Island Communities Impact Assessments.
Island Community Impact Assessments
Scotland’s islands face challenges around distance, geography, connectivity and demography, so it is important that policy makers consider these properly. The Scottish Government and 70 other relevant authorities have a duty to consider whether an island community impact assessment (ICIA) is required when developing or reviewing policies, strategies or services. An ICIA is required where the policy, strategy or service is likely to have a significant different effect on island communities versus other communities (including other island communities). Full guidance and a list of relevant authorities can be found on the Scottish Government’s island policy webpage.
Carbon Neutral Islands
The Carbon Neutral Islands (CNI) project has, since 2022, supported six islands in their aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2040. These islands are Yell, Hoy, Raasay, Barra, Islay and Cumbrae. Read more on the carbon neutral islands project page.
The Islands Programme
The Islands Programme is a key component in the delivery of the National Islands Plan and supports the delivery of critical infrastructure projects on Scottish islands.
Since 2021-22, the Islands Programme has awarded £25.8 million in support of 88 projects on 55 different islands. For information on the successful projects over the years, please select from 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26.
The Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund
The Scottish Government’s Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund was developed to specifically recognise the additional cost of living pressures facing island communities and help island local authorities support those islanders who are most affected. Since December 2022, the fund has distributed £4.4 million.
To contact the Scottish Government’s Islands Team, please email info@islandsteam.scot
