Islands with Small Populations - Annual Event 2025

The event brought together representatives from Fetlar, Foula, Papa Stour, and Skerries, alongside senior managers, elected members, and partner agencies.

This year’s theme of Adaptive Capacity explored how island communities and partners can learn from past island successes, respond to present priorities, and prepare for future opportunities and challenges.

About the IWSP Programme

The Islands with Small Populations (IWSP) programme supports Shetland Islands Council’s commitment to partnership working with Shetland’s five smallest inhabited islands — Fair Isle, Fetlar, Foula, Papa Stour, and Skerries.

It forms part of the Shetland Partnership’s Locality Planning approach, which ensures that local priorities shape decisions and services.  Through Island Issues Logs, regular meetings, and follow-up actions, the IWSP provides a structured way for communities and partners to identify challenges, agree shared priorities, and track progress over time.

The Annual Event brings together island representatives and senior officers to reflect on progress, share success stories, and plan collaborative action for the year ahead.

Building on Strengths

The day began with opening remarks from Neil Grant, Director of Development Services, who welcomed attendees and emphasised the importance of learning from the past to strengthen the future of Shetland’s islands.

Morning Lightning Talks featured island-led presentations and reflections, including:

• Fetlar – community-led projects showcased by Juliet Bellis;
• Foula – an overview of the off-grid renewable system presented by Magnus Holbourn;
• Papa Stour – community-led repurposing of the local kirk shared by Andy Holt.

Each session was followed by discussion and Q&A, enabling participants to share experiences and reflect on common themes across all islands.

Shared Priorities and Collaborative Action

During the Have Your Say session, Maggie Sandison, SIC Chief Executive, provided an overview of Shetland Islands Council’s Corporate Plan and led discussions around key questions: “What helps your community to thrive?” and “What role should the Council take in making that a reality?”

Topics included community-led housing, maintenance roles, flexibility in service delivery, and transport.  The discussion outcomes will help shape the Council’s Corporate Plan and guide follow-up actions within the IWSP.

Inspiring Island Futures

In the afternoon, Jennifer Foley, Community Development Worker at Papay Development Trust, joined online to have a conversation on retaining and attracting residents to small islands.  Participants discussed approaches including community asset transfers, Local Place Plans, and practical ways to support population sustainability.

Reflection and Next Steps

The event also provided valuable networking opportunities, allowing islanders to engage directly with Councillors and senior managers on key topics such as transport, health and care, education, and local economic development.

Feedback was positive, recognising the event as an important opportunity to celebrate island achievements, strengthen relationships, and identify shared priorities for the year ahead.

Learning from this year’s discussions will feed into current conversations and inform planning for next year’s IWSP cycle.