Better connectivity, safer travel, and a raft of economic innovations ... life in Scotland’s island and peninsula towns is looking more attractive than ever, writes Dominic Ryan
With almost 800 to choose from, Scotland has a wealth of islands to explore and enjoy. These range from the small and uninhabited jewels that are home only to wild birds, and wilder waves and winds, to well known groups of large isles – populated by thriving communities and visited by tourists from all over the world.
At the time of the last census in 2011, there were 93 inhabited islands with a total of 103,700 inhabitants, or two per cent of the nation’s population.
Often seemingly more remote than many of these communities, however, are Scotland’s peninsula towns; oases of civilisation amid some of the country’s most remote, untouched and beautiful landscapes.
Because of their remoteness, of all Scotland’s towns, it is these island and peninsula communities that have become known as our most alluring and endearingly romantic. Lovers of wildlife and the great outdoors who arrive, and then stay, would not have them any other way.
But despite such global renown – that has attracted everyone from not-so-welcome Viking invaders to you’re-very-welcome holidaymakers, who enjoy our whisky, food, fishing, and textiles – their story has not always been so positive.
The fragility of economies that historically had been reliant on farming and fishing, together with a diaspora of the young who abandoned an ageing population for the mainland, has left many communities dwindling.
Today, thankfully, there is a renewed sense of hope and dynamism.
Digital connectivity, improved transport links, in-situ education, burgeoning micro-enterprise and the growth of renewable energy projects are all combining to offer a new way forward for residents, tourists and business investors.
This is certainly true of Stornoway, capital of the Outer Hebrides. Connected by ferry from Ullapool, this town of 9,000 residents on Lewis, boasts a compact and picturesque centre that is a hub for harbour trade, hotels, schools and restaurants.
From here it wows the world with its famous fare – including fish, Stornoway Black Pudding, jewellery and weaving. Stornoway is also a centre of history and learning, with access to Lews Castle College.
In fact, island town centres such as this often perform the role of a "mini-capital".
Angela Constance MSP, who is Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities, points out: "Scotland’s islands have proud traditions, with rich and vibrant cultures. They are wonderful places to live, work, study and visit, and contribute so much to the fabric of Scotland as a nation."
This contribution comes in many forms and from many different places.
Our most northerly town, Lerwick, for instance, is closer to Scandanavia than Scotland, yet this 8,000-strong home boasts a nation-boosting hub for fishing and ferries, as well as the vital and growing renewables sector.
Kirkwall, meanwhile, capital of the Orkney Islands and famed for its Pictish and Norse folklore, is an attractive harbour home to 10,000 Orcadians.
According to many annual surveys, it also happens to be the happiest place in the UK – topping polls for residents’ health and life expectancy, weather, employment, school results and personal wellbeing.
Another town enjoying a rejuvenated sense of wellbeing is Campbeltown on the Kintyre peninsula, which was built on fishing, shipbuilding and whisky.
Although today only three of the original 30 distilleries remain in what was once the "whisky capital of the world", Campbeltown is growing stronger every day, thanks to a new waterfront and historic buildings programme.
Head east and at the tip of the Cowal peninsula, south of the Holy Loch on the firth of Clyde, you will find Dunoon.
Thanks to its annual Cowal Highland Gathering, Dunoon brings a true taste of Highland life within easy reach of Greater Glasgow – and, of course, eager visitors from much further afield.
Alternatively, head south "doon the watter" to Rothesay and you will discover the principal town of the Isle of Bute, which first found fame and fortune with Victorian tourists.
Today it is still popular with visitors, who come here by ferry from the uniquely charming railway station at Wemyss Bay. At its heart are two world-class architectural gems – Mount Start and the Rothesay Pavilion – that are now key to the town’s future plans.
Of course, many of Scotland’s island and peninsula towns do still face unique challenges.
Much of this is due to their remoteness and the difficulty of enabling digital connectivity, maintaining transport infrastructures and tackling the issue of declining populations.
There is much is being achieved already through collaborative investment to protect, preserve and promote these important national assets for residents, businesses and visitors.
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