News / Affordable housing and fixed links included in new national Islands Plan
HOUSING, connectivity and fuel poverty on Scotland’s islands are set to be targeted by the Scottish Government.
The government’s second National Islands Plan was announced and launched by first minister John Swinney on his visit to Shetland today (Monday).
The SNP government said that island communities would benefit from the plan, which aims to improve housing and healthcare, grow island economies and increase their populations.
Exploring permanent fixed links, such as tunnels or bridges, is among the commitments from government.
The Shaetlan language is also set to be the subject of a Scots Language Strategy, which will encourage the use of Scots within the school curriculum.
“Orkney and Shetland reported the highest proportion of Scots speakers in the country, with Orcadian and Shetlandic remaining deeply cherished components of local heritage and culture,” the plan stated.
“Alongside Gaelic, the Scottish Languages Act 2025 grants Scots official status within Scotland.
“Recognition of Scots must reflect the diversity of its dialects – in implementing the Act, specific recognition will be given to Orcadian and Shetlandic, with community views sought on the most effective ways to support them.”
Seven objectives have been selected by the Scottish Government for the second National Islands Plan, ranging from health and social care, to education and climate.
The Scottish Government said the plan would “deliver targeted actions” across the seven areas, including committing to delivering more affordable homes, improving access to childcare and exploring permanent transport links – specifically bridges and tunnels to improve connectivity.
Potential fixed links “fall under the responsibility of local authorities” such as Shetland Islands Council, the plan states.
However the Scottish Government said its position was “one of pragmatic support” for fixed links in Shetland.
“We recognise the significant upfront costs involved but also the benefits that could be delivered through increased fixed links infrastructure,” it said.
The proposed “accelerator model” of funding for councils in Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles was again given a mention, which could “unlock hundreds of millions of pounds of investment”.
The Scottish Government has pledged a “mixed-model funding package” to support social and economic infrastructure in the three regions.
“We expect this accelerator model to unlock hundreds of millions of pounds of investment across the three areas, supporting projects aligned with local priorities and the ambitions of this National Islands Plan,” it said.
Affordable housing had emerged as “one of the most deeply felt priorities among island communities”, the Scottish Government said, following consultations.
This was especially the case among younger residents, it added.
“While building new homes remains crucial, making the best use of the existing housing stock can also play a major role in addressing pressures,” the government said.
“We are working with partners to bring more empty properties back into use, and have taken measures to help local authorities strike the right balance between second homes, short-term lets and permanent housing.”
Subject to parliamentary approval, all island developments will be exempt from the proposed Scottish Building Safety Levy, it added.
“We will work with partners, including the Scottish National Investment Bank,to develop a pipeline of investment opportunities supporting the delivery of more homes on islands and build delivery capacity.
“This will include consideration of the role of multi-site delivery structures.”
Launching the plan, Swinney said island communities were “central to our vision of Scotland as a successful country in which to live, work and study”.
“Islanders have told us clearly what they need to pursue their ambitions: homes they can afford, transport they can rely on, and more accessible local services – this plan will deliver for our island communities.
“It is focused, it is practical, and it puts islanders in the driving seat of their own future. When our islands thrive, Scotland thrives.”
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