Scottish Islands Federation facts for kids
The Scottish Islands Federation is a group that started in November 2007. Its main goal is to help and speak up for the many islands of Scotland. Before it became a formal group, it was known as the Scottish Islands Network, which had been around since 2001. This federation works to make sure the islands' voices are heard and their needs are met.
The very first big meeting of the Scottish Islands Federation happened in Craignure, a town on the Isle of Mull. During this meeting, people talked about what islanders wanted.
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What Islanders Want
A survey was done to ask people living on the islands what they thought. The results showed some interesting things:
- Almost 90% of islanders believed that all of Scotland's more than 90 islands, where people live, should be able to speak together with one strong voice.
- About 77% thought that the Scottish Government should have a special minister. This minister would be in charge of looking after the islands' specific needs.
- There was also a lot of support for a new plan to lower ferry prices. This plan, called the "road equivalent tariff," would make ferry travel cost about the same as driving the same distance on a road. This could make it much cheaper for islanders to travel.
It was also pointed out that nearly 100,000 people live on Scotland's islands. However, at that time, the Scottish Government didn't have any special plans or support just for them. In comparison, the 3,000 islanders in the Republic of Ireland did have special government help.
Important Voices for the Islands
At the conference, important people spoke about the future of the islands.
A New Feeling of Hope
Willie Roe, who was the Chairman of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (an organization that helps businesses and communities in the Highlands and Islands), shared his thoughts. He said that islanders were starting to feel more confident and believe in themselves. He mentioned that this new feeling was encouraged by successful projects on islands like Gigha, Eigg, and Harris. He even said that "our islands are quite exceptional in world terms," meaning they are very special globally.
A Quiet Revolution
Jim Mather, who was the Scottish Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism at the time, also spoke. He admitted that "Scotland hasn't properly valued her islands." This meant that the islands hadn't always received the attention and support they deserved. However, he also said that "we are seeing a quiet revolution." This suggests that big, positive changes were starting to happen for the islands, even if they weren't loud or dramatic.
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