Phase 2 of the Young Islanders Network’s My Island. My Home. My Future Roadshow took us to Oban, Mull and Tiree in August continuing our work with Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) to make sure young islanders’ experiences help shape conversations about housing, place and island futures.
This phase included sessions at Oban High School and Glencruitten Hostel hearing from young people connected to Iona, Kerrera, Coll, Lismore, Easdale. We followed up with a ferry to Mull and Tobermory High School with young people also from Ulva and Tiree Primary and secondary.
What we heard
A major theme was the very different ways in which young people access education and everyday opportunities across the islands.
At Oban High and Glencruitten Hostel, young people spoke about the reality of living away from their island during the school week to access education. They recognised the independence and opportunities this can bring, but also talked about being away from family, managing hostel life and sometimes having very limited time at home.
Young people also highlighted how differently each island connects to services. Lismore has strong links with Appin, Iona relies heavily on Mull and onward connections to Oban, while Kerrera young people can commute daily.
On Mull, we heard different perspectives from young people attending Oban High and those at Tobermory High. Discussions covered education, facilities, opportunities and where investment is focused across the island. The strongest message was young people want to see how their views influence decisions, rather than simply being consulted.
Tiree young people spoke positively about their community, natural environment and outdoor opportunities, including watersports, youth club, close community and family and the important role of Young Farmers. They also identified gaps in facilities and activities for secondary-age young people.
Turning ideas into action
The Roadshow also gives young people the chance to develop and pitch practical ideas for their communities.
This phase saw:
- Glencruitten Hostel: funding towards a pizza oven, helping create shared social opportunities for island pupils living away from home.
- Tobermory: funding for new netball equipment to support local activity.
- Tiree: support for the Young Farmers’ ceilidh, helping with hall costs and creating an opportunity led by young people themselves.
Tiree Primary took a different approach, using a “message in a bottle” activity to share what pupils love about Tiree and what they would like to change.
What happens next?
Phase 2 has strengthened the evidence that housing, education, transport, services and opportunities cannot be looked at separately in island communities.
The findings will now be shared with local and national partners and will contribute to YIN’s wider work around place planning, youth participation and delivery of the National Islands Plan. We are working more closely with Mull and Iona Community Council, Glencruitten Hostel supporting opportunities for young islanders, and Tiree c ommunity groups.
Phase 3 will continue the Roadshow in Gigha and Campbeltown in March, hearing from more young people whose everyday lives cross island and mainland boundaries.
