The Cross Party Group on Islands in the Scottish Parliament provides a forum for the discussion of issues relevant to Scotland’s islands and the residents of island communities, and it aims to improve links between the Scottish Parliament and island communities. You can find a list of members and an archive of minutes here. Secretariat for the CPG is provided by Scottish Rural Action and the Scottish Islands Federation.
The 5th meeting of the CPG in February 2024 focused on the National Islands Plan (NIP) which is currently under review by the Scottish Government. The scene was set by Adele Lidderdale. The topic proved so popular CPG registrations reached 100 people and the discussion time had to be extended by 30 minutes!
Minutes can be accessed here.
We were pleased to continue on the theme of the National Islands Plan at the 6th CPG meeting on 22 May 2024. The scene was set by members of the Young Islanders Network (YIN) who sit on the NIP Delivery Group, followed by Francesco Bertoldi, Islands Team Leader in the Scottish Government.
Minutes can be accessed here.
Following these meetings, the CPG Islands conducted a survey of its members to identify agenda topics for discussion with MSPs. Housing came up as the most pressing priority. With that in mind, we were pleased to organise two CPG meetings with a focus on Island Homes: Design, Planning & Costs.
The 7th CPG meeting took place on 09 October 2024 with the scene set by short presentations from Tiree Community Development Trust, North Ronaldsay Trust, and the Scottish Futures Trust.
Minutes can be accessed here.
CPG members' discussion on the 09 October now will inform the agenda of the forthcoming 8th CPG meeting on 11 December 2024 which will be attended by Paul McLennan MSP, Minister for Housing.
You can sign up here.
Everyone with an interest in Scotland's islands is welcome to attend.