Islands with Small Populations Review Workshop

Method, Participation and Barriers

Method of Engagement and Reason Chosen

illustration of people with speech bubbles and sticky notes at a whiteboard

The method of engagement was a workshop. Attendees were split into groups that moved between tables where a facilitator directed conversations around topics. As well as the groups being a mix of representatives from different islands, Councillors and Council Officers were encouraged to move between groups and get involved in the conversations. A note taker sat at each table and recorded the points that were made. This offered a less structured, conversation based approach. It was thought that moving around and speaking to different people would allow for better discussions. The rest of the day was delivered as a conference so being in small groups also gave attendees more opportunity to voice opinions.

Participants

All islands had representatives present. Invitations were sent out via email. Invites were also sent to Councillors, giving them background on the meeting and encouraging them to attend. There were also officers present from across the council. This included Community Planning and Development, as well as Transport Planning, who are responsible for transport to and from each island. Highlands and Islands Enterprise was also present along with a member of the Scottish Government’s islands team and representatives from NHS Shetland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

yellow bridge

Overcoming any Barriers to Participation

The largest barrier was making sure people could get to the meeting from the islands at the same time due to inter-island flight and ferry timetables. A day was chosen where timetables seemed to align best.  There was also an arrangement made so that flights to Foula and Fair Isle would depart later, which would allow attendees more time at the event. However, due to bad weather, the flights had to go earlier and so the people from those islands did not have the benefit of the previously pushed back flight times. Ferries were booked on behalf of other attendees to support them with their travel arrangements. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) covered the cost of travel for the islanders, as well as funding the food and refreshments for the day. HIE also had money put aside for emergency accommodation if any attendees ended up being stuck on the mainland, which can happen due to weather for example.