National Islands Plan: annual report 2021

Summary of Strategic Objectives and Values

The National Islands Plan sets a direction for the Scottish Government and provides a framework for action in order to meaningfully improve outcomes for island communities. The Plan has 13 Strategic Objectives which we will use to direct our work over the coming months and years:

Strategic Objective 1

To address population decline and ensure a healthy, balanced population profile

Strategic Objective 2

To improve and promote sustainable economic development

Strategic Objective 3

To improve transport services

Strategic Objective 4

To improve housing

Strategic Objective 5

To reduce levels of fuel poverty

Strategic Objective 6

To improve digital connectivity

Strategic Objective 7

To improve and promote health, social care and wellbeing

Strategic Objective 8

To improve and promote environmental wellbeing and deal with biosecurity

Strategic Objective 9

To contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation and promote clean, affordable and secure energy

Strategic Objective 10

To empower diverse communities and different places

Strategic Objective 11

To support arts, culture and language

Strategic Objective 12

To promote and improve education for all throughout life

Strategic Objective 13

To support effective implementation of the National Islands Plan

A Fair, Integrated, Green and Inclusive Plan

The four principles of fairness, integration, environmental (green) protection and inclusiveness underpin the National Islands Plan by guiding us and our partners in meeting its ultimate objective – which is to improve outcomes for island communities.

A fair Plan with wellbeing at its heart will strive towards fairer, healthier, happier communities across Scotland. Its human rights approach will support greater accountability and help ensure that island communities' rights are respected, protected and fulfilled. An integrated Plan will promote joined-up services based on a cohesive, place-based and holistic approach to policy and will build economic, social and environmental considerations in an integrated approach to island policy. A green Plan will harness the opportunities of a greener, fairer economy while we work toward ending Scotland's contribution to climate change. An inclusive Plan will promote genuine community empowerment at the local level enabling decisions to be taken as close as possible to where their impact will be felt.