People could be funded £50,000 to move to islands in new scheme

Scots are being asked for their views on a proposal to give up to £50,000 to people to encourage them to stay or move to the islands.

The Islands Bond is aimed at tackling population decline across Scottish islands and would provide the funding to help young people and families to stay there.

Bonds will be issued to support people to buy, build or renovate homes, start businesses and to make their lives for the long-term in island communities.

The Scottish Government launched a consultation on Monday which will run for 12 weeks until October 24 to gather views on the proposal.

‘I’d encourage people across Scotland, especially those on our islands, to provide a response to this consultation and make sure their voices are heard.’
Mairi Gougeon, Islands secretary

Islands secretary Mairi Gougeon said that the consultation will help the Government to understand current population challenges and will help ensure those issues can be addressed.

“The Islands Bond will help us to deliver on some of the commitments from the National Islands Plan. It’s a way for us to address some of the key financial barriers for people who want to live on our islands,” she said.

“Each of our islands are unique and this consultation will help us understand some of the population challenges across our islands and make sure that we can properly address them.

“It will also provide information to enable us to set up a relocation support or advisory service and make the move for people as smooth as possible.

“I’d encourage people across Scotland, especially those on our islands, to provide a response to this consultation and make sure their voices are heard to help shape the Bond.

“As well as delivering this consultation, we’ll continue to engage with local authorities, island communities and other relevant stakeholders as we develop the bond.”