An online forum is to be set up to give younger residents across Scotland’s islands a place where they can discuss, share their views and influence decision making.

The £28,500 Young Islanders Network will also include a 5 week online mental health awareness programme.

Youth Scotland is setting up the new forum.

Ian McLaughlan, Youth Scotland’s Chief Executive, said:

“Youth Scotland believes in better outcomes for all young people – whether that’s in our urban cities and towns, rural communities or Scotland’s island communities. We are proud of our reach, membership and participation within the island communities.

“The Young Islander’s Challenge is another fantastic opportunity to not only be inclusive of young people living there, but to put them front and centre of a project for and about them.”

“Thanks to our partnership with the Scottish Government and our island communities, we can work together to deliver both short-term and lasting impact. I would urge any young person or group in our island communities to jump in, have your say and be part of something bigger!”

Click on this link to find out more about The Young Islander’s Challenge

We want to know your views on topics that matter to your life like:

What are the issues that affect your life?

What is good about your island community?

What could be better about your island community?

What would you change if you could?

What would you like to see the Young Islander’s Network do and/or achieve?

Commenting on the initiative Islands Minister in the Scottish Government, Paul Wheelhouse, said:

“I am pleased that the Scottish Government is able to now establish this new and exciting network.

“The Network creates a great opportunity for children and young people on our islands to get involved in having their say and making their views known on key islands’ issues and to help shape the future of their communities.

“Our extensive National Islands Plan consultation made it clear that a Network of this nature would be hugely beneficial, and that it will help to provide us with a better understanding of the experiences and views of children and young people and, through that, ultimately help us to create a better, more diverse living experience for all our islanders of all ages.

“The Network will also be hugely beneficial to those involved, as they will have the chance to be part of an exciting project, gaining valuable insights and developing themselves at the same time.

“I encourage all children and young people living on our islands to get involved, if they can – and I say to them: if you take the time to make your voice heard, the Government and I will take the time to listen to you.”