Digital connectivity has been listed as one of seven key objectives to retain and attract people to Scotland’s island communities.

The Scottish Government’s new National Islands Plan outlines how improved transport links and digital coverage is key to strengthening two-way access to markets, jobs and services.

‘With more public and private services available online, digital connectivity can reduce the need to travel and increase equity of access for island residents,’ the new plan states.

‘Fast and reliable digital connectivity is also a driver of economic growth, opening new markets to businesses of all sizes and supporting individual opportunities for remote working.’

Despite significant investment from both the Scottish and UK Governments, gaps and “not-spots” remain, ‘underlining the need for continued effort to extend infrastructure and improve digital access further.’

According to the government paper, the majority of premises in all island local authorities have access to fast broadband, with figures ranging from 84% in Orkney to just under 100% in North Ayrshire for access to fixed superfast broadband.

By contrast, in 2014 only 4% of premises in Argyll and Bute had access, and there was no coverage at all in Orkney, Shetland or Na h-Eileanan Siar.

It credited Scottish Government programmes – from the legacy Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband (DSSB) rollout to the current Reaching 100% (R100) programme for the progress, alongside the Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme (SBVS) which complements R100 by offering subsidies of up to £5,000 for premises not included in commercial or R100 contract build plans.

As of the end of November 2025, over 8,000 connections have been delivered across 42 islands through a combination of R100 contracts and SBVS support, the report stated.

But challenges remain. The document points to the Scottish Islands Survey 2023, in which residents of Orkney’s and Shetland’s Outer Islands were among the least likely to be satisfied with their internet service.

The new plan commits to a ‘mapping exercise’ to monitor broadband delivery, identify gaps in gigabit-capable coverage, and inform discussions with industry and UK Government on future digital connectivity investments for islands.

Closer cooperation with the UK Government’s ‘Project Gigabit’ will also ensue.

‘We will aim to align delivery of our Reaching 100% (R100) contracts with Project Gigabit contracts to maximise island coverage. In Spring 2026, we will announce the outcome of the regional Project Gigabit procurement to further extend gigabit-capable broadband coverage to over 13,000 eligible premises across Orkney and Shetland,’ the plan states.

Mobile coverage has also been boosted through the Scottish 4G Infill programme (S4GI), which has delivered 17 new masts on 11 islands – including Bruray (Skerries), North Uist and Stronsay. Work is ongoing to increase the number of mobile network operators using S4GI sites, giving island residents and businesses greater choice and resilience in their service providers.

‘The programme has also provided a head start for the UK Government’s Shared Rural Network initiative, which aims to extend mobile coverage even further into rural and island areas,’ the report adds. ‘Despite these improvements, further expansion is required, and existing mobile infrastructure on islands can experience capacity pressures due to increased customer demand – for example, during peak visitor seasons.’

The second National Islands Plan will deliver targeted actions across seven key themes, including committing to delivering more affordable homes, improving access to childcare and exploring permanent transport links – specifically bridges and tunnels to improve connectivity. The plan also introduces further efforts to pilot remote diagnosis technology to improve access to medical advice.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Island communities are a key national asset and are central to our vision of Scotland as a successful country in which to live, work and study.

“Islanders have told us clearly what they need to pursue their ambitions: homes they can afford, transport they can rely on, and more accessible local services – this plan will deliver for our island communities. It is focused, it is practical, and it puts islanders in the driving seat of their own future.”

The objectives in full:

  • Connectivity – Improving transport links and digital coverage to strengthen two-way access to markets, jobs and services.
  • Housing – Delivering more affordable homes and making sure the right types of housing are available where people need them.
  • Health and social care – Making it easier to access health and care services closer to home, including through video consultations and remote diagnosis.
  • Economy, education and skills – Supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and giving islanders opportunities to learn and train locally.
  • Climate, nature and energy – Helping islands move to clean energy, protect their environment, and benefit from renewable energy projects.
  • Poverty and social justice – Tackling higher living costs on islands and making sure people can access the support they need.
  • Empowered communities and culture – Supporting local leadership, building community capacity, and supporting island cultures, languages and heritage.