Scottish Islands Survey 2023: main findings report

4. Conclusion

The Scottish Islands Survey (2023) has provided further insights into islands life. It is clear that there is much variation in how island life is experienced, not least across island regions. For example, compared to Orkney and Shetland Mainlands and their connected islands, residents of Orkney and Shetland Outer Islands report poorer internet connectivity and are less likely to say that their business is growing, but they experience a greater sense of community. Access to essential services is reportedly much better in larger islands, such as Lewis and Harris, Orkney Mainland and Shetland Mainland and their connected islands than in the ‘outer’ islands of Orkney and Shetland and Uists and Barra. Perceptions of housing availability and affordability are relatively high in Shetland Outer Islands but especially low in the Argyll Islands, and access to childcare is reportedly very poor in the Orkney Outer Islands compared to Shetland Mainland and Connected Islands.

Comparing findings across age categories also reveals important differences. Younger respondents report lower satisfaction with their current housing and availability of housing options in their area than older respondents. They also have the lowest mental wellbeing scores and are more likely to feel cold at home in the winter. However, younger people also feel more empowered within their communities than older people and report easier access to services using public transport. Older islanders overwhelmingly report that it is important to have an active landline.

These variations across places and age groups suggest that policies for the islands must be tailored to the characteristics of, and challenges faced by, different people living in different places.

Perceptions of some aspects of island life have remained the same since the previous survey in 2020 while, in other areas, perceptions have improved or worsened. It is important to consider the wider social and economic influences at play during this period: 2020 was an unusual year, with the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) disrupting everyday life; since then, the UK’s exit from the EU (which took full effect on 31 December 2020), cuts to public spending, rising energy costs and the cost-of-living crisis have had widespread impacts on the delivery of and access to a range of services within both households and communities.

Perceptions of some fundamental aspects of island life have deteriorated between 2020 and 2023. Despite a majority of respondents being satisfied with their current housing, housing availability remains a challenge in many places, with fewer respondents saying that there is enough to meet local demand. The percentage of respondents who say it is easy to access essential services using public transport has decreased substantially, and satisfaction with ferries and flights is now lower across multiple measures. In 2023, a lower proportion of respondents said they could afford to keep their home warm in the past year. And with respect to tourism, which brings both benefits and difficulties for many communities, fewer respondents now consider that provision is adequate. Furthermore, survey respondents report a lower sense of community in 2023 than in 2020.

A number of changes over time can be positively interpreted. Since 2020, a higher proportion of young people say they are likely to stay in their island for the next five years. More respondents report that they attend community social events at least once a year. There has also been an increase in the proportion of respondents who are satisfied with their internet speed.

This report has placed the findings in context with other findings for the whole of Scotland or with the Highlands and Islands as a whole. This has shown where the islands differ or are experiencing the same trends as other parts of Scotland. Islanders are more content with their housing, have more access to green or blue outdoor space compared to Scotland as a whole, and are more likely to have attended a culturally specific festival. However, the percentage of respondents reporting their household is managing financially is lower than the national average, the mental wellbeing score is slightly lower in islands and there is less of a sense of belonging in the islands compared to Scotland as a whole.

The findings presented in this report summarise responses to a large number of questions from 4,358 island residents. Further spotlight reports will focus on particular themes, and an online interactive data explorer will be published to enable islanders, policy-makers and other stakeholders to examine the data themselves.