On Tuesday (10th October 2023), the third Islands Forum took place in the Western Isles at Lews Castle, gathering representatives from eligible islands across the UK, the Levelling Up Secretary, and devolved government ministers to deliberate on physical and digital connectivity matters.
The Isle of Wight council’s CEO and the leader represented IWC virtually.
Exploring transport connections
Acknowledging the critical role of infrastructure investment and reliable services in promoting tourism, trade, and job support on the islands, the Levelling Up Secretary introduced a new ‘task and finish’ group.
This group, comprising representatives from UK and devolved governments as well as member councils, will focus on enhancing island transport connections.
Digital connectivity
Additionally, the forum consented to advancing efforts to bolster digital connectivity, endorsing the continual endeavors of Building Digital UK, in collaboration with the Scottish and Welsh Governments.
Ministers from the UK government, devolved governments, and a senior official from the Northern Ireland Civil Service attended the forum, along with council leaders and representatives from various councils including:
- Comhairle nan Eilean Siar / Western Isles Council
- Orkney Islands Council
- Shetland Islands Council
- Highland Council
- North Ayrshire Council
- Argyll & Bute Council
- Isle of Wight Council
- Isles of Scilly Council
- Ynys Môn/Isle of Anglesey County Council
- Rathlin Development & Community Association
Gove: It’s now time to make real progress on improving connectivity
Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said,
“Islands have so much to offer, and through the Islands Forum the UK Government is helping them get the most out of their potential.
“It’s now time to make real progress on improving connectivity and that’s why we have established a new group to take this work forward. We need to make sure we have a long term strategy for our islands as part of our work to level up all parts of the United Kingdom.”
Financial and advisory services for councils
The attendees also engaged with the UK Infrastructure Bank to explore the financial and advisory services available to local authorities.
They participated in networking sessions to foster stronger connections and visited Stornoway’s deep-water terminal and Harland & Wollf’s Arnish site to grasp their importance to vital island sectors like manufacturing, renewable energy, and tourism.
The upcoming Islands Forum, slated for Spring 2024, will convene in Anglesey, with Ynys Môn/Isle of Anglesey County Council as the host.
Article edit
10.25am 13th Oct 2023 – info about IWC involvement added
