Islands firms’ investment plea to keep local communities alive

BUSINESS leaders on Scotland’s islands have called for more to be done to improve infrastructure and encourage young people to stay in the communities.

A survey of 275 island firms by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) found 88 per cent said they face challenges that mainland businesses do not.

Priorities identified were encouraging young people to stay and young families to move in, improve local transport infrastructure and superfast broadband access, more affordable housing and better facilities for tourists.

Ahead of planned legislation to give island authorities new powers, FSB has passed the survey results to Holyrood’s rural economy committee in a call for action.

David Richardson, the FSB’s development manager for the Highlands and Islands, said: ‘The prosperity of a local place is intertwined with the ongoing success of its local business community.

‘While this rings true across the country, it is particularly the case for Scotland’s island communities.

‘Our survey work shows that addressing shortfalls in digital and transport infrastructure is a top priority for island firms. But – ahead of these problems – local businesses want to play a role in developing sustainable island communities. In our view, only with a successful local private sector can our islands succeed.’

Survey results were gathered from islands including Shetland, Orkney, Skye, Bute and Arran.

The FSB also highlighted census data showing 13 per cent of Scottish island residents work for themselves, compared to a national average of 7 per cent.

Mr Richardson added: ‘The long-term success of island communities require their local private sectors to thrive, to power job creation, local growth and to retain and attract younger residents.’ Scottish Labour’s rural affairs spokesman Rhoda Grant said: ‘Far too often, small businesses in rural and island communities are unable to compete on a level playing field with businesses on the mainland.

‘It is vital that we see government investment in high-speed broadband and transport infrastructure to allow Scotland’s islands to thrive.’

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘We are investing millions to ensure our islands have digital capability, transport connectivity, affordable housing and a thriving tourism industry.’