SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, is urging individuals and local businesses in the Western Isles to submit their responses to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the proposed islands bond scheme this weekend.

The consultation will close this Monday, the 25th of October, and the responses will be used to shape the development of the policy.

The Scottish Government has committed to developing an Islands Bond, offering 100 bonds of up to £50,000 to young people and families to help them stay in or move to islands currently threatened by depopulation.

Commenting, Allan said: “Depopulation is one of the biggest threats to our island communities. Anything we can do to reverse depopulation trends and encourage more people to live and work in the islands should be encouraged.

“These bonds will support people to buy homes, start businesses and otherwise make their lives here for the long-term. I believe that, if targeted appropriately, the scheme could make a real difference in helping the viability of certain communities.

“I would urge anyone in the Western Isles who has not already submitted their views in the consultation to do so before the consultation closes on Monday, as this is the most effective way of ensuring that the policy’s development reflects the views of people living in the islands.”