What’s new?
About us
What is the Young Islander’s Network? How did we get started? Where are we going?
Our projects
We run lots of projects and events for young islanders across the Scottish islands.
Latest news
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Opportunities in August and September
Upcoming opportunities for August/September and a call out for YIN representation across the network for these events: TRANSPORT Wednesday 13 August Minister for Connectivity & Agriculture Visit Shetland. An opportunity to meet with Jim Fairlie MSP for engagement on the Under 22s Ferry scheme and ferry vouchers Thursday 14 August Minister for Connectivity & Agriculture…
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Celebrating our Inspirational Young Islanders
Back in January, we launched a call for nominations to our network looking for someone who inspires them. Young Islanders could nominate any other young islander aged 5 to 25 who, for one reason or another, was inspirational to them. We received a lot of nominations since the call was launched, and it has been…
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YIN kicks off 2025 talking Housing with decision makers
It is still early doors, however, 2025 looks like another busy year for the Network given the response, so far, to the Young Islanders Network Housing Challenge report which was published in December 2024. When the report (https://yin.scot/you-had-your-say-read-the-yin-housing-challenge-report-here/) was published in December 2024, we shared it with local authorities, health boards, housing associations, Scottish government…
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Keeping Ulva connected: A ferry important family!
We hear from Matilda whose family have run the Ulva ferry service for over 30 years! My name’s Matilda, I’m 14 and I live with my brother and my parents on the Isle of Ulva. Ulva is a small island near Mull and I’ve lived here all my life. For most of my life there…
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You had your say! Read the YIN Housing Challenge Report here
Since 2022 young people from across the islands have told us what is important to them in their island community; the top two recurring issues were Transport and Housing. Read our report to find out more on Housing in the islands from the young people’s perspective. The Young Islanders Network created a challenge, inviting young…
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Skye’s the limit!
Young Islanders from Shetland, Lewis, Barra, Tiree and Arran gathered in the beautiful surroundings of Portree, Isle of Skye from the 1st to 4th of November. A long awaited Young Islanders Network residential weekend offered a fantastic group of people from the ages of 12 to 25 years old, from across the islands to get…
Transport Scotland are now running user surveys for the Sounds of Harris and Barra routes. Links to English and Gaelic versions of the online survey for each route, plus printable versions and “easy-read” version, are available at:
www.transport.gov.scot/publication/sound-of-barra-and-sound-of-harris-user-survey/
Responses from these surveys are aimed at over 16s but Transport Scotland are looking to create an under 16 version to capture your views. … See MoreSee Less
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First Minister John Swinney travelled to the Outer Hebrides to underline his commitment to ensuring a prosperous future for Scotland’s island communities.
As a member of Outer Hebrides Climate Forum, the Young Islanders Network attended with Sophie (youth worker and mental health Rep) and three YIN members from Lewis to talk about climate from an island context.
They highlighted the local impact of transport technology on climate as well as education and employability in green energy careers and future prospects for young people.
Keeping the focus on the islands, they said “We need to look at the here and now and not try to solve the wider world’s issues to make a change.” … See MoreSee Less
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Members of the Young Islanders Network from Orkney gathered in Kirkwall, joined by Jim Fairlie MSP to share their experiences and ideas on connectivity.
Working in partnership with Community Learning and Development Orkney, the meeting was held at Orkney Youth Café with engagement from two of our YIN Reps (Liz and Kaydence, special thank you to them), the Orkney Youth Forum Chair and Orkney Members of Scottish Youth Parliament.
The meeting reflected the everyday reality of travel in our communities with young people attending from Mainland Orkney, South Ronaldsay, Westray and Stronsay. Discussions highlighted just how vital ferry services are to island life and the differences in bus accessibility between islands. The challenges highlighted by young people showed the intersections between our connectivity, social integration, education, access to sports, healthcare and mental health and why young voices must be part of shaping policies.
The culture and identity of Orkney remained at the heart of these discussions and despite the challenges, it shone through as a community and sense of belonging.
This was a valuable step in ensuring youth perspectives are heard as part of the Scottish Government’s National Islands Plan.
Stronsay Youth Club Community Learning & Development Orkney Orkney Youth Forum Orkney Youth-Cafe … See MoreSee Less
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Young Islanders Speak Up for Better Transport 🚢💬
Members of the Young Islanders Network from Shetland Islands Council Youth Services gathered in Lerwick this week, joined by Mr Fairlie MSP to share their experiences and ideas on transport, connectivity and the under-22 ferry scheme.
With representatives from Shetland and across the isles, discussions highlighted just how vital ferry services are to island life — and why young voices must be part of shaping the policies that affect their future.
Hosted by Lerwick Port Authority near the harbour, the meeting reflected the everyday reality of travel in our communities. This was a valuable step in ensuring youth perspectives are heard as part of the Scottish Government’s Islands Plan.
A big thank-you to Shetland Community Learning and Development for their support and to all the young people who continue to champion change for our islands. 🌊
#YoungIslandersNetwork #ShetlandYouthVoice #IslandsPlan #YouthEngagement #FerryTravel #Connectivity … See MoreSee Less
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YIN are looking for young people living with disabilities or are caregivers to engage with the Ferries Directorate within Transport Scotland.
This opportunity will help us to better understand the challenges in accessing ferry services across the islands.
There is an in-person opportunity to meet with Transport Scotland in Orkney on 12 August. Online meetings can also be facilitated at alternative times and for those not in Orkney.
Please contact louise.mcquaid@youthscotland.org.uk to be involved
Visit our website to find more opportunities in the near future … See MoreSee Less
Opportunities in August and September – yin.scot
bit.ly
Upcoming opportunities for August/September and a call out for YIN representation across the network for these events: TRANSPORT Wednesday 13 August Minister for Connectivity & Agriculture Vis…0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We have put together a roundup of upcoming opportunities for Young Islanders happening in August/September and a call out for YIN representation across the network for these events 🙌
Follow the link to find out 🔗 bit.ly/45bhv6Y … See MoreSee Less
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