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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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
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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
Our latest YIN Residential was held in Kirkwall with participants joining from Shetland, Lewis, Stronsay and Hoy coming together with the launch of the National Islands Plan. With new young people representing Shetland Youth Voice Orkney Youth Forum Stronsay Youth Club we looked at island identity and culture and the complex relationships. The multi location residential gave a real experience of local island economy, opportunities and challenges, including managing weather! Lots of conversations were led by young Islanders and an ambition to continue collaborative action. … See MoreSee Less
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Young people from #ShetlandYouthVoice and OPEN Shetland are returning from Orkney today after a successful Young Islanders Network Residential. It was great to hear the ideas and perspectives of young people from Orkney and the Western Isles. Discussing what makes our islands unique but also the similarities. Themes of the Islands Network includes:
📶⛴️ Connectivity
🏡 Housing
🧠 Health & Social Care
👩🔧 Economy, Education and Skills
🌍 Climate, Nature and Energy
⛽️ Poverty, Cost of Living & Social Justice
🎶 Empowered Communities & Culture
The weekend also saw the group work towards a Dynamic Youth Award. … See MoreSee Less
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Young Islanders have already spoken up about ferry reliability, safety and under-22s travel. Now we’re building on that transport work by gathering views on air travel. For many islanders, flying isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline. Our survey ensures island voices continue shaping fair and affordable connectivity.
Why This Matters
Air travel is not a luxury for islanders it is essential for education, employment, healthcare, and family connection. Scottish Government They want to know how this could affect island communities.
Get involved by completing our survey by 22nd March
forms.office.com/e/rKCm3YLwEy … See MoreSee Less
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If you run a festival, sports activity, community gathering or other creative event, you can register your interest to host the Baton with the All In programme between 1-23 July.
Register to be part of history on your island!
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Bring the King’s Baton to Your Community in Scotland – Team Scotland
www.teamscotland.scot
Bring the King’s Baton to Your Community in Scotland . See all the latest news from Team Scotland .0 CommentsComment on Facebook
The second National Islands Plan has now been released, setting out the next phase of action to support and strengthen Scotland’s island communities.
The Young Islanders Network (YIN) is delighted to see the release of the New National Islands Plan and we are particularly pleased that some of our key feedback can be seen in the actions of the new plan. We welcome the continued support for YIN within the plan and look forward to helping ensure that the voices of young islanders are heard and able to influence decision making which affects their lives.
Read it here: www.gov.scot/publications/national-islands-plan-2/ … See MoreSee Less
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Help to to inform the design of a training programme to empower island communities to participate in planning processes.
Fill in the survey or take part in the online workshop.
Planning Aid Scotland @followers … See MoreSee Less
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