The Scottish Government has launched the second National Islands Plan, a comprehensive strategy designed to improve healthcare, housing, and economic growth across Scotland's island communities.

The plan aims to address the specific challenges of island life while encouraging population growth.

The refreshed plan outlines targeted actions across seven core themes. Key commitments include the delivery of more affordable homes and improved access to childcare. Notably, the strategy includes exploring the feasibility of permanent transport connections, specifically bridges and tunnels, to enhance connectivity between islands and the mainland.

In terms of healthcare, the plan introduces initiatives to pilot remote diagnosis technology, which is intended to provide islanders with faster and more convenient access to medical advice. The plan also features cultural and educational support, such as an island scholarship pilot scheme for postgraduate students and the promotion of island languages, including Gaelic, Shetlandic, and Orcadian.

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First Minister John Swinney, who launched the plan during a visit to Orkney and Shetland, said: "Island communities are a key national asset and are 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."

The plan has been shaped by feedback from various stakeholders, including younger residents and federation representatives.

Louise McQuaid, Young Islanders Network Senior Development Worker, said: "The Young Islanders Network (YIN) is delighted to see the release of the New National Islands plan and we are particularly pleased that some of our key feedback can be seen in the actions of the new plan. We welcome the continued support for YIN within the plan and look forward to helping ensure that the voices of young islanders are heard and able to influence decision making which affects their lives."

Luke Fraser from the Scottish Islands Federation added: "The Scottish Islands Federation welcomes the Scottish Government's continued commitment to island focused policymaking through the National Islands Plan II and we look forward to working in collaboration to implement the key priorities. Ongoing, dedicated support for islands is essential – not as an extension of rural policy, but as a recognition that islands face some fundamentally different challenges and opportunities. As the Plan moves into delivery, sustained focus, long-term investment and meaningful partnership will be key to ensuring it delivers lasting benefits for island communities."