Northern Isles representatives respond to Scottish Government depopulation plan

Northern Isles representatives have today responded to the Scottish Government’s report “Supporting and enabling sustainable communities: action plan to address depopulation”. The plan, which includes 83 priorities to address depopulation in rural areas, largely covering actions already underway by the government, includes a sum of just £180,000 in new funding to tackle depopulation.

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael said:

“If releasing lengthy reports with thin results were the measure of government then the SNP-Green coalition would be in a league of their own. As it is, the rest of us are a little tired of the same old circus.

“The only real solution for depopulation in the Highlands and Islands is through long-term investment and putting power in the hands of local people. The SNP gutted HIE when they came to power and have slow-rolled key investments in infrastructure that we need – exactly the inverse of what is required.

“The success of the Northern Isles over the decades in diversifying our economy and maintaining our population ought to be a lesson in what can be done elsewhere – if the Scottish Government can live up to the promise of devolution and return powers to councils and local communities. I suspect we will not see that come to pass under the current administration.”

Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart said:

“There are no surprises, silver bullets or quick fixes. Reversing long-term depopulation requires long-term commitment from the Scottish Government in housing, transport and digital infrastructure.”

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur said:

“People in Orkney know that the only way to reverse depopulation in rural and island communities is through long-term investment in infrastructure. This means sustained support for housing, transport links and digital infrastructure, which are crucial in providing economic opportunities, building community resilience and providing the means to attract and retain people in our islands.

“By contrast, this much-delayed Depopulation Action Plan almost entirely consists of new spin on old policies that have already failed to match the scale of the challenge. SNP/Green Ministers appear convinced there are quick fixes to these challenges, exemplified by the ridiculous plan to pay people £50,000 to move to an island. While the Island Bond scheme has thankfully been ditched, this latest plan lacks focus and any real sense that it is up to the task of meeting the needs of our rural and island communities.”