Scotland’s first ever National Islands Plan was published in 2019 and is now being reviewed, potentially leading to the publication of an updated Islands Plan.

The Scottish Government wants to hear from island communities and relevant sectors and partners to ensure this process is as thorough and effective as possible.

Sessions will be held on both Arran and Cumbrae and people are invited to register and attend:

• Thursday, 28 September - Garrison House, Cumbrae, from 2pm–4pm. Register here
• Friday, 29 September - Brodick Hall, Arran, from 10am–12 noon Register here

Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities and Islands at North Ayrshire Council, said: “Both the National Islands Plan and the local Arran and Cumbrae Islands Plans are bringing together individuals, groups and businesses to develop actions that will help address the most pressing local challenges.

“We have already seen many successes since we launched our collaborative and partnership-based approach, including the creation of Scotland’s first Local Islands Plans that set out key priorities for Arran and Cumbrae whilst contributing to the strategic objectives of the National Island Plan creation of the Arran Housing Task Force, securing financial assistance for a range of island projects and delivering the North Ayrshire Islands Skills Initiative.

“We are in a unique position across Scotland to have received funding from the council, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and Scottish Government to deliver the Islands Recovery and Renewal pilot.

“I would encourage residents of Arran and Cumbrae to participate in the consultation and have their say on the current and future National Islands Plan.”