Draft National Islands Plan Update 2025 published

Scotland’s island communities have received a fresh commitment from government with the publication of the draft National Islands Plan Update 2025.

This updated strategy builds on the original 2019 plan and reflects the evolving needs of islanders, aiming to secure sustainable futures for rural and island areas across the country.

Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands said:

“The first National Islands Plan, published in 2019, established a framework for national policy and investment in support of island communities’ ambitions. Implementation progressed against a background of major challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, the wide-ranging effects of an unwelcome Brexit, and the cost-of-living crisis.

“The resilience that islanders have shown in the face of these obstacles cannot be overstated. Nor, however, should we ever take it for granted”.

She added:

“The input we received from island communities and organisations has been central to shaping this second National Islands Plan. I am incredibly grateful to all those individuals and groups who have given their time and shared their ideas with us”.

Key Priorities

The update reaffirms nine strategic objectives that remain central to island life:

• Population sustainability – tackling depopulation and encouraging young people and families to remain or return.
• Economic development – supporting local businesses, tourism, and innovation to strengthen resilience.
• Transport services – improving ferry reliability, air links, and connectivity between islands and the mainland.
• Housing – addressing shortages and affordability to ensure communities can thrive.
• Fuel poverty reduction – expanding energy efficiency programmes and renewable energy initiatives.
• Digital connectivity – ensuring reliable broadband and mobile coverage across even the most remote areas.
• Health and wellbeing – enhancing access to healthcare and social services.
• Environmental protection – safeguarding biodiversity and tackling biosecurity risks.
• Climate action – contributing to Scotland’s net-zero targets through community-led projects.

Progress and Challenges

Since the plan’s inception, island communities have seen new investment in transport infrastructure, digital rollout, and housing projects. However, the update acknowledges persistent challenges: depopulation remains a pressing issue, particularly in smaller islands, while fuel poverty continues to affect households disproportionately compared to mainland Scotland.

The government stresses that community voices have shaped this update, with consultations ensuring that local priorities are reflected. Islanders highlighted the importance of reliable ferries, affordable housing, and opportunities for young people as central to sustaining vibrant communities.

Opportunities for Rural and Island Communities

The updated plan offers several opportunities:

• Funding streams for community-led projects, particularly in renewable energy and local enterprise.
• Partnership working between government, local authorities, and island groups to deliver tailored solutions.
• Monitoring and accountability, with annual reports to Parliament ensuring transparency and progress tracking.

For rural and island communities, this means greater recognition of their unique challenges and a framework to hold government accountable for delivery.

Looking Ahead

The National Islands Plan Update 2025 is not just a policy document—it is a roadmap for sustaining Scotland’s islands in the face of demographic, economic, and environmental pressures. By focusing on population retention, infrastructure investment, and climate resilience, the plan seeks to ensure that island life remains viable and attractive for generations to come.

You can find the draft plan at: Draft National Islands Plan 2025