Getting young islander voices heard in Government and beyond

Following a hugely successful pilot with the Young Islanders Challenge, Youth Scotland will to continue their work with Scotland’s young people from island communities to build the Young Islanders Network.

The new online platform and youth network has been launched to help young people from all the Scottish islands share their voices, views and experiences.

The Young Islanders Network will enable children and young people to help shape the delivery of the National Islands Plan, ensuring that their interests and priorities are properly considered.

The idea was developed in response to contributions from children, young people and their families through the 2019 National Islands Plan consultation, which highlighted the ambitions of young islanders and the challenges they faced.

Visiting Orkney for the launch event, Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:

“We loved this idea of grassroots youth representation from our island communities which is why we made a key commitment in our National Islands Plan to develop the Young Islanders Network.

“Today marks a really important milestone in terms of the Scottish Government’s work against this commitment, and I would like to congratulate everyone involved and thank them for their hard work.

Mike Strang Youth Scotland’s Chief Executive said:  

“Through our work with young people across Scotland, we know the power of youth voice and the issues young people feel strongly about. Now, through the Young Islanders Network, we have a fantastic opportunity to listen to young people and work with them and Scottish Government to build an inclusive and meaningful community, recognising both the diversity and commonalities of our vibrant island communities”.

As the Young Islanders Network develops, it will continue to be co-created and led by young islanders. Critically the children and young people will set their own agenda – based on the national and local priorities that matter to them the most.

You can access the Young Islanders Network website at the following link: yin.scot – Young Islanders Network