Young people’s voices on islands to be heard

A new network has been launched to give a platform for young people across Scotland’s islands, including Islay, Mull and Arran.

Children and young people from all 96 of Scotland’s inhabited islands will be able to have their say and make their voices heard on issues in their communities through the new Young Islanders’ Network.

The network, organised through Youth Scotland, will also offer young people the opportunity to build confidence, develop key skills such as leadership and organisation and to develop new relationships and friendships with others.

Issues such as the depopulation of islands will be discussed and, crucially, the network will give young islanders the chance to raise the issues that most matter to them.

Islands Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: ‘I encourage all children and young people living on our islands to get involved, if they can and I say to them if you take the time to make your voice heard, the government and I will take the time to listen to you.’

Youth Scotland chief executive Ian McLaughlan, added: ‘We are proud of our reach, membership and participation within the island communities. The Young Islanders’ Network Challenge is another fantastic opportunity to not only be inclusive of young people living there, but to put them front and centre of a project for and about them.

‘Thanks to our partnership with the Scottish Government and our island communities, we can work together to deliver short-term and lasting impact.’

To find out more, visit the Youth Scotland website. Groups involved in the network will be from Shetland; Orkney; Lewis and Harris; Uist and Barra; Skye; Mull; Islay; and Arran.

Anyone aged five-25, who lives on a Scottish island, can take part. Under-13s must take part with a school or youth group, and those aged 13 and over can take part with a group or as an individual.