“The Scottish Government has committed to developing and implementing an Islands Bond to support population retention and growth in island communities.” They are now consulting on this scheme.

Emma Roddick, SNP MSP for the Highlands and Islands is urging islanders to take part in the consultation.

The plans would see bonds of up to £50,000 issued to families and young people to support them to move to or remain in island communities, helping with related costs such as buying or renovating a home or starting a business.

Emma Roddick said:

“I am extremely glad that this work is being done to tackle depopulation in Scotland’s islands and it is vital that islands residents’ voices, particularly those of young people who need assistance to continue to live and work where they grew up, are heard loud and clear during the consultation period.

“While it will be useful to hear from people across the country regarding the support they would require to relocate, it is also very important that those who have struggled to stay in the islands let us know the barriers they have faced.

“All communities face different challenges and have individual needs, so I hope that people will contribute to this consultation to make it as relevant and helpful as possible to each island.”

If the scheme goes ahead there will be on offer 100 bonds of up to £50,000 to young people and families to stay in or to move to islands currently threatened by depopulation. The Bond would be launched in 2022.

The consultation closes on 25th of October, and is available to respond to at: Development of the Islands Bond – Scottish Government – Citizen Space (consult.gov.scot)

This is part of the National Islands Plan

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