The importance of Scotland’s island communities will be championed in a parliamentary debate this week, led by Scottish Conservative MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston.
The party’s shadow islands minister, who also represents the Highlands and Islands, will lead a Members’ Business debate on Wednesday evening in Holyrood celebrating their achievements, but also highlighting the unique challenges they face on several fronts.
The debate forms part of a day of activities led by Jamie in his role as convener of the Parliament’s cross-party group on islands. He is also co-sponsoring an event to be held after his debate, where dozens of businesses and community enterprises from Scotland’s islands will be in attendance.
A series of cross-party round tables will also take place on Wednesday afternoon, with SNP deputy first minister Kate Forbes expected to attend to hear about the challenges facing residents and businesses.
Jamie Halcro Johnston, who is from Orkney, says Scotland’s islands “regularly punch above their weight” but their concerns are also “repeatedly ignored” by SNP ministers.
He says that many of these communities are under increasing threat of depopulation, because of the failures to provide lifeline ferries, adequate housing provision and strong connectivity and to protect local day to day services.
Scottish Conservative shadow islands minister Jamie Halcro Johnston MSP said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead this debate to celebrate and champion Scotland’s island communities.
“As convener of the Parliament’s cross-party group on islands and living in Orkney, I am acutely aware of what fantastic contributions our islands make to Scotland’s economy and how they regularly punch above their weight.
“However, I also know about the huge challenges facing those living and working on our islands.
“They often feel very isolated and their concerns have sadly been repeatedly ignored by SNP ministers over the last 18 years.
“From the ferry fiasco to a lack of affordable housing, to their failure to deliver broadband connectivity for all and a lack of protection for local public services, it all leads to a greater risk of depopulation from these communities.
“That is deeply damaging not only for island businesses and residents but our entire Scottish economy. This debate will bring into focus just how challenging the reality of island life is.
“I hope it will herald much needed investment in these communities and for SNP ministers to finally address their needs, which have been neglected for too long.”