The fund aims to support urgent action to help island residents facing financial challenges. This comes as these communities face costs that, in some instances, are estimated to be 20% to 60% higher than the UK average.

In the first year of funding, the council channelled £197,000 into initiatives including the Love Local Gift Card and topping up existing free school meal support.

Councillors have given the go-ahead for 2023/24’s funding allocation to support similar initiatives.

Councillor Liz McCabe, policy lead, islands and business development, said: “The current cost of living crisis has created very challenging circumstances for many people across our communities.

“This is particularly true for the region’s islands with estimates showing that, due to a number of factors, those in island communities are facing, in some cases, around 20% to 60% higher costs of living than the UK average.

“Following on from the previous allocation, this latest Islands Cost Crisis Emergency funding will again go to support projects and initiatives which will help hard-pressed families and individuals in our remote communities.”