Survey sets out priorities for islands businesses

A survey of 275 of Scotland’s islands businesses, including those in Orkney, has revealed that 88 per cent of small firms feel they face challenges that firms on the mainland do not.

The report, which was conducted by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has shown that Scotland’s islands small businesses consider transport and affordable housing as priorities in their area. The top priority identified in the survey was the need to encourage young people to stay on and young families to move into their areas.

The research has been submitted to Holyrood’s Rural Economy Committee in a call for action.

David Richardson, the FSB’s Development Manager for the Highlands and Islands said: “The prosperity of a local place is intertwined with the ongoing success of its local business community. While this rings true across the country, it is particularly the case for Scotland’s island communities.

“Our survey work shows, perhaps unsurprising, that addressing shortfalls in digital and transport infrastructure is a top priority for island firms. But – ahead of these problems – local businesses want to play a role in developing sustainable island communities. In our view, only with a successful local private sector can our islands succeed.”