Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill Islands Communities Impact Assessment

Step Four – Assessment

The following table sets out the key issues in this impact assessment and the mitigations in place:

Do you feel as though a full Islands Impact Assessment is required for your policy?

There is no specific identified or different impact of the policy on islands or island communities, compared to other communities.

The Bill does not take direct powers with regards to climate and nature. The Bill provides enabling powers through the support framework that will enable the Scottish Government to deliver towards its climate and nature outcomes. It is anticipated that the Islands will have the same opportunities to benefit, contribute, and gain access to services and benefits as on the mainland. The impact on the Islands with regards to climate and nature will therefore be considered as part of future scheme design and secondary legislation processes.

The powers set out in the Bill relating to support for rural communities and rural networking are broadly framed, enabling powers. We judge that these powers will not have either a positive or negative impact, as they do not inand of themselves change the Scottish Government’s policy approach or interventions in this area.

The proposed powers within the Bill are to enable continuity of the existing Forestry Grant Scheme, so far as possible, it is not perceived to have a likely impact on Island communities. The Forestry Grant Scheme currently supports island communities by offering enhanced grant rates for the northern and western isles.

Therefore, a full Islands Community Impact Assessment is NOT required.

Conclusion

In the lead up to Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill, the Scottish Government consulted extensively and through continued co-develop policy with key stakeholders. Consultation evidence indicates that the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill will have a minimal impact on the Islands and their communities.

Specifically, the Scottish Government will undertake the mitigating actions outlined within this ICIA, and in noting the high-level nature of the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill, will require subsequent policy and regulatory legislation to have regard to island communities and undertake additional ICIAs as relevant under the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018.

Sign off of the Islands Community Impact Assessment

ICIA authorised by: Mairi Gougeon

Position: Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands

Date: 16 February 2024