News | Posted February 12, 2026
How can we support Scotland’s island communities to deliver community-led plans and navigate renewable energy?
Residents of Scottish islands and people working with island communities are invited to share their views on what planning training and support is needed
We’ve launched a new survey to understand how best to support island communities to take part in the planning processes that shape everyday life. This includes:
• Community-led planning, such as Local Place Plans; and
• Understanding and engaging with planning processes for electricity and renewable energy developments.
We want to hear what support would help your community most in both of these areas.
How can I share my views?
1. Fill out the survey before 15 March 2026
Your responses will help shape a new training programme designed to support island communities to participate in planning effectively.
2. Join us for a workshop
When: Thursday 12 March 2026, 7pm to 8.30pm (online)
Details: This 90-minute workshop will be friendly, interactive and discussion-based, giving you space to share what works, what doesn’t and what support would make a real difference for your community.
National Islands Plan
This programme is an action from the draft National Islands Plan, laid before the Scottish Parliament in December 2025. It aims to strengthen community confidence and skills in both community-led planning including Local Place Plans and Community Action Plans, and renewable energy planning.
The Scottish Government has asked Planning Aid Scotland to gather feedback from island communities to help inform the programme’s design. At this stage, the work is focused on understanding community needs and ideas. Any future training would depend on the availability of funding.
