National Islands Plan: annual report 2021

Introduction

The National Islands Plan provides a framework for action in order to meaningfully improve outcomes for island communities. The Plan sets out 13 Strategic Objectives and over 100 commitments, which must be delivered over the five year lifetime of the Plan. The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery. This Annual Report fulfils that requirement, outlining where progress has been made towards each specific commitment of the National Islands Plan, and detailing projects and resource spend where appropriate.

This report is accompanied by the revised National Islands Plan Implementation Route Map (IRM), which sets out how we will continue to contribute to improved outcomes across our islands. The 2022 IRM takes a forward looking, action focused approach and has been developed in collaboration across Scottish Government to ensure all policy areas with responsibility for delivering the Plan have contributed.

We will also shortly launch a virtual National Islands Plan Progress Dashboard that will allow for real-time progress towards both our Strategic Objectives and commitments to be displayed in an accessible and transparent manner.

Additionally, the implementation of the National Islands Plan continues to be supported by both the Islands Strategic Group and the National Islands Plan Delivery Group. The Islands Strategic Group allows for greater involvement of the relevant local authorities in helping design solutions to the challenges islanders face, whilst the Delivery Group ensures that work continues to be driven forward in a collaborative way that truly involves island communities.