JOHN Swinney says the Government will do everything it can to help people address the “challenges” of island life ahead of his first visit to Orkney as First Minister.
Swinney hailed the “unique landscape, culture and heritage” of the archipelago ahead of his visit on Monday.
The Scottish Government’s new national islands plan – which sets out strategic objectives – will be published later this year, he said.
To date, the Government's Islands Programme has distributed more than £15 million in support of projects across 51 different islands in a bid to support local growth, population retention, and improved resilience.
Opposition MSPs have said there has been a lack of progress in implementing elements of the previous plan, such as improving transport links.
Swinney said: “With its unique landscape, culture and heritage, Orkney is an excellent place to live and work, and is well-placed to capitalise on the economic opportunities presented by the green energy revolution.
“For all the many advantages to island living, there are also a number of challenges that come with it.
“Working with the council and other partners, the Government will do everything it can to support communities in the Orkney Islands to tackle these challenges and help people realise their ambitions.”
Swinney said the Government has spent millions on inter-island connectivity, adding: “The draft 2025-26 budget allocates a further £5.3 million to continue the Islands Programme in the next financial year. And an additional £20 million of one-off funding has also been allocated to Orkney and Shetland Islands Councils to support their inter-island connectivity.
“Engaging directly with island communities will be crucial in all of this, and that’s why it’s so important to me to see first-hand the challenges and opportunities people are facing.
“Work on our new national islands plan, which will be published later this year, will continue to be led by those living and working in Scotland’s island communities.”
