Scottish islands publish Community Climate Action Plans

Six Scottish islands have published their Community Climate Action Plans, developed as part of the Carbon Neutral Islands (CNI) project.

Great Cumbrae, Barra, Hoy, Islay, Raasay and Yell each developed their own plan, compiling existing knowledge and data, and setting out the key actions they will take to help them achieve a carbon neutral and sustainable future.

The project is supporting the islands to become carbon neutral by 2040.

The project aims to highlight the climate-resilience and low carbon potential of islands and demonstrate actions that can be taken elsewhere in Scotland to help lower emissions and meet Scotland’s climate change targets.

Attending an event to launch the plans in Millport, Great Cumbrae, rural affairs, land reform and islands secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “This is an exciting project and I am delighted to see the six islands reach this stage. Supporting these islands in their journey towards net zero will not only benefit the environment, but will energise local economies and improve the general wellbeing of islanders.

“The impact of this project will extend well beyond the shores of the six islands. The knowledge gained throughout this journey will be shared to help support all of Scotland’s island communities, and indeed mainland communities, as they seek to forge a future that is both climate-friendly and sustainable.

“It will also extend beyond Scotland. Internationalisation is a key pillar of the Carbon Neutral Islands work. We want to share good practice and build the foundations for practical collaboration with islands partners further afield.

“The publication of the six plans is a huge achievement for those involved and marks a significant milestone for the project. Community support is vital to its success - and so I’d like to congratulate everyone who has engaged with us, and helped us to reach this important point.”

Image: wfmillar / White bay, Great Cumbrae Island