Carbon neutral islands project: progress report

2. Ministerial Foreword

Scotland’s island communities lie at the sharp end of climate change and biodiversity loss. Sea level rise and coastal erosion pose visible and direct threats to our islands’ resilience, economies and heritage.

The need to reduce carbon emissions and accelerate adaptation is critical throughout Scotland. However, our islands have the greatest sense of urgency, and inaction is simply not an option.

Despite these challenges, island communities continue to display remarkable resilience and, drawing from their spirit of innovation and resourcefulness, are developing new solutions that put them at the forefront of Scotland’s journey to net zero.

The Scottish Government is determined to work alongside communities to support their efforts and maximise their proven capacity for positive change.

To this end, in 2021 we established the Carbon Neutral Islands project. Working with the islands of Barra and Vatersay, Great Cumbrae, Hoy and Walls, Islay, Raasay and Yell, we have jointly developed place-based actions to pursue the ambitious goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2040.

As this progress report shows, the diverse range of initiatives underway on these islands is inspiring.

From community-owned green energy developments to energy efficiency improvements in community buildings, the Carbon Neutral Islands project has seen tangible changes occur at pace and in a way that speaks to the specific needs of the communities involved. It takes a hands-on approach to cutting emissions, using local knowledge and reflecting on local priorities.

By sharing the best practice and considerable expertise that the project has already generated, we are determined to ensure that communities on other islands – and indeed in other parts of Scotland – can benefit.

Through its focus on building local resilience, lowering emissions and mitigating fuel poverty, the project has encouraged wide-ranging improvements across the four key missions identified by the First Minister – tackling the climate emergency, eradicating child poverty, improving public services and growing the economy.

I look forward to continuing to work in close collaboration with our Carbon Neutral Island communities as they proceed with their ambitious journeys towards net zero.

Jim Fairlie

Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity