Online platform aims to give young islanders a voice

A NEW online platform and youth network has been launched to help young people from all the Scottish islands share their voices, views and experiences.

The aim of the Young Islanders Network is to enable children and young people to help shape the delivery of the Scottish Government’s national islands plan. More details can be found online.

The idea was developed in response to contributions from children, young people and their families through the 2019 national islands plan consultation, which highlighted the ambitions of young islanders and the challenges they faced.

The Scottish Government has partnered with Youth Scotland to support and deliver the network, targeting engagement from young people from primary school age through to secondary school and into young adulthood.

Visiting Orkney for the launch event, islands secretary Mairi Gougeon said on Tuesday: “We loved this idea of grassroots youth representation from our island communities which is why we made a key commitment in our National Islands Plan to develop the Young Islanders Network.

“Today marks a really important milestone in terms of the Scottish Government’s work against this commitment, and I would like to congratulate everyone involved and thank them for their hard work.”

Mike Strang, Youth Scotland’s chief executive, said: “Through our work with young people across Scotland, we know the power of youth voice and the issues young people feel strongly about.

“Now, through the Young Islanders Network, we have a fantastic opportunity to listen to young people and work with them and Scottish Government to build an inclusive and meaningful community, recognising both the diversity and commonalities of our vibrant island communities.”