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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Orkney Residential!
The Young Islanders Network residential is an annual event hosted across different island locations to create opportunities for young people to come together, both within and beyond their own island communities. For 2025-26, we were hosted by Orkney. A multi-site residential hosted 13-15 March posed multiple logistical considerations including staggered arrivals and departures of delegates by plane and ferries. The multi-location planning incorporated themes of local
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Scottish Government publishes new mental health crisis framework for children and young people
Scottish Government has published Supporting children and young people experiencing a mental health crisis: framework, setting out principles for how crisis support should be developed and delivered across Scotland. Read the framework here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/supporting-children-young-people-experiencing-mental-health-crisis/ The framework gives clear recognition to the distinct needs of rural and island communities in best practice when supporting children and
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New National Islands Plan Launched: What It Means For Young Islanders
The Scottish Government has launched the second National Islands Plan, setting out how it aims to support island communities over the coming years with a particular focus on population retention and attraction. Launching the Plan alongside a visit to Orkney and Shetland, First Minister John Swinney said: ‘Island communities are a key national asset and
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A YIN Residential 13-15 March 2026!
Are you aged 12-25 and want to have your views heard about being a young islander? Meet other young people from across Scotland’s islands. Connect, share ideas and make friends while shaping and influencing what really matters to you. This March, the Young Islanders Network (YIN) is bringing young people from islands across Scotland together in
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Read the YIN Ferry Safety Report
Following our transport challenge report in 2023, the Young Islanders Network (YIN) heard from young people that they often feel unsafe due to adult behaviour whilst travelling on ferries. This feeling applies to both mainland Scotland and inter-island ferries. Following the Young Islanders Network’s Transport Challenge Report, young people across Scotland’s islands told us clearly
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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
Do you know an inspiring young person aged 14–25 who’s making a real difference for Scotland’s wildlife, land or seas (over the past 3 years)?
The Young Champion for Nature Award from celebrates the passion, creativity and impact younger people are making. I have attached information and wondering if anyone you work with might be appropriate to nominate?
You can learn more about this, and the other 9 categories at … See MoreSee Less
Nature of Scotland Awards
bit.ly
The Nature of Scotland Awards recognise the very best in Scottish nature conservation.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Photos from Highlands & Islands Climate Hub's post … See MoreSee Less
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For the second year running, Young Sea Changers Scotland are offering a paid traineeship opportunity for a young person from a black or minority ethnic background. This is because the marine sector has very poor racial diversity and we recognise that the lack of accessible entry-level opportunities is one of the barriers contributing to this underrepresentation.
The role focusses on training, skill development and network building, and is flexible, part-time and remote (based in Scotland) over 10 weeks July-September. If you know a young person who fits this description and is interested in the marine environment, then we’d really appreciate you sharing this opportunity with them.
All the information on the role, including how to apply and the interview process can be found at www.youthforseas.org/blogs/trainee2026
The deadline for applications is 9am on Tuesday 19th May. If anyone would like to informally discuss the role I’d be more than happy to find a time to chat about it. … See MoreSee Less
We’re hiring a Trainee! — Young Sea Changers Scotland
www.youthforseas.org
Join our team as a Young Sea Changers Trainee!0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Another amazing achievement from YIN ensuring island youth voice was part of decision making around young people in crisis and distress. A big thanks to those who shared personal insights into this, providing a valuable island lens to the framework for children and young people in distress.
yin.scot/scottish-government-publishes-new-mental-health-crisis-framework-for-children-and-young-…
Community Learning & Development Orkney Cumbrae Youth Project Skye Youth Development Western Isles Youth Services OPEN Shetland Arran Youth Foundations Shetland Youth Voice Orkney Youth Forum … See MoreSee Less
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Join the launch of the Highlands & Islands Climate Hub Climate Collective!
The Climate Collective is a new space for 16–30 year olds across the Highlands, Orkney and Shetland who are passionate about climate action.
At this launch event, we’ll explore why youth involvement matters and look at how communities can better connect with the next generation.
We’re also delighted to be joined by Alyson MacKay from 2050 Climate Group, sharing her journey as a young volunteer and the value young people bring to climate action.
Wednesday 29th April
7pm–8:30pm
Online (Microsoft Teams)
Book your space: … See MoreSee Less
Highlands & Islands Climate Hub's Climate Collective Launch
climatecollectivelaunch.eventbrite.co.uk
Join us for the Climate Collective launch – connect, build skills and hear how young people can take action on climate change.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Read more about our March residential and exciting steps towards the implementation of the National Islands Plan. We will be sharing how you can get involved over the next year, have your voice heard and be part of taking action for young people across Scotland's islands.
yin.scot/orkney-residential/
Community Learning & Development Orkney Orkney Youth Forum Orkney YLAG Uist Youth Cafe Cumbrae Youth Project Shetland Youth Voice Western Isles Youth Services OPEN Shetland Arran Youth Foundations … See MoreSee Less
Orkney Residential! – yin.scot
yin.scot
The Young Islanders Network residential is an annual event hosted across different island locations to create opportunities for young people to come together, both within and beyond their own island c…0 CommentsComment on Facebook