A fund to support islanders through the cost-of-living crisis has quintupled from £1 million to £5 million in the latest Holyrood budget.
The Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund, started by the Scottish Government in 2022, hands the country’s six island councils cash to support the needs of their communities, where the cost of living is higher than the mainland.
It estimates these communities can face 20-60 per cent higher costs of living than the UK average, such as a colder climate, higher fuel and energy costs and the lack of consumer choice.
Previous funded initiatives include foodbank grants, Love Local food voucher cards and free school meal top-ups.
The Cabinet Secretary indicated she would work with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) to review the effectiveness of the Special Islands Needs Allowance (SINA) for future budgets, given the significant additional costs incurred in delivering public services in island communities.
In the meantime, Ms Robison confirmed the Scottish Government would increase the Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund from £1 million to £5 million to support island local authorities in providing essential services and supporting islanders through the cost-of-living crisis - a move welcomed by SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar Alasdair Allan.
Argyll and Bute Council covers 23 inhabited islands - Bute, Coll, Colonsay, Danna, Easdale, Eilean da Mheinn, Erraid, Gigha, Gometra, Inchtavannach, Innischonan, Iona, Islay, Jura, Kerrera, Lismore, Luing, Mull, Oronsay, Seil, Shuna (Luing), Tiree and Ulva - populated by more than 14,700 people according to the 2011 census.
There are 14 inhabited islands in the Highland Council area - the same as Na h-Eileanan Siar - but of these islands eight had less than 10 people living on them, according to the 2011 census. The total population of the Highland Council islands was 10,349, of which 10,008 lived on the Isle of Skye. Apart from Skye, the most populous islands were: Raasay (161), Eigg (83), Muck (27), Rum (22) and Canna (12).
On 30 June 2021, a population of 26,640 lived on the 14 inhabited islands of Na h-Eileanan Siar: Lewis and Harris, South Uist, North Uist, Benbecula, Barra, Great Bernera, Berneray, Vatersay, Baleshare, Grimsay, Eriskay, Scalpay, and Flodaigh.
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.