The Scottish Government has committed to developing a £5 million Islands Bond fund, providing up to £50,000 each for up to 100 households by 2026, by providing financial support for island residents to remain in their community, or to encourage people to move there.
A consultation on this commitment was launched on 2 August 2021 providing an opportunity for island residents in particular to help to influence the development of the bond at an early stage. The consultation closed on 25 October and an analysis report be published online in due course.
Continued engagement with communities and island stakeholders will be crucial to developing a Bond that will deliver a meaningful, sustainable intervention reflecting island communities’ aspirations and needs.
Scottish Government officials are currently undertaking a series of island community workshops to develop locally identified priorities and criteria for the bond during March and April 2022.
These community workshops, along with the findings from a series of extensive stakeholder engagement exercises and the online consultation analysis report, will be used to shape the draft criteria and eligibility for the Islands Bond, ahead of launching in summer 2022.
Spaces are limited so booking is essential. However, virtual workshops will follow later this Spring.
