It was Islands Day at the Scottish Parliament last Wednesday (2nd April) as individuals and businesses representing island communities from across Scotland came together at Holyrood.
Convenor of the Cross-Party Group on Islands, Jamie Halcro Johnston MSP, who is from Orkney, led a series of events throughout the day, which saw attendance from Scottish Government ministers Kate Forbes and Mairi Gougeon, as well as other MSPs invited by Mr Halcro Johnston.
After an afternoon of round table discussions on important issues like ferries and housing - in which islanders were asked to share their concerns and own experiences, Mr Halcro Johnston led a debate on the future of Scotland’s islands and the ongoing challenges faced by island communities.
The day concluded with an Islands Showcase event, held in the Garden Lobby of the Scottish Parliament, which highlighted the diverse range of entrepreneurial activity across Scotland’s islands.
All of Scotland's island authorities were involved and represented, as well as local councils with large island populations such as Argyll & Bute, Highland and North Ayrshire.
Commenting on the event, Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston said:
"It was great to see Shetland, Orkney, Argyll & Bute, the Western Isles and the Highlands well represented at the event, and for local people and businesses from the islands to have the chance to raise their concerns about the unique challenges they face.
"As an islander myself, I’m committed to ensuring that island voices are heard loud and clear in the Scottish Parliament.
“We are all aware of the unique challenges that island communities face. And so it was important to bring together a wide range of representatives from our islands, enabling them to speak directly to MSPs and share the challenges they face daily.
“One of the most pressing issues that consistently came up throughout the day was the need for more housing in our island communities. There was a clear concern that the lack of availability of affordable homes risking forcing folk away from the islands, as well as impacting on the ability to recruit key public sector workers.
"The state of local ferry services continues to be a major concern for islanders, with access to reliable and affordable transport links essential for island communities’ economic growth and social wellbeing.
“Clearly there are real challenges facing our island communities, but it is equally important to highlight the many opportunities that exist. With the right support from the Scottish Government, I believe our islands can continue to thrive”.
Following the event, Mr Halcro Johnston added he was delighted with the feedback from the event, which was appreciated by all who attended, and hopes that the showcase becomes an annual event.
