Scotland have invested £20 million in Orkney and Shetland to help their Northern Isles stay connected. To be split equally between the two islands as part of the 2025-26 Budget, the funding is help the islands better play a crucial role in Scottish society, culture and economy by improving inter-island connectivity in a way that best meets local needs.

Ms Robison, deputy first minister of Scotland, said: “Scotland’s islands face unique challenges and this government is determined to do everything we can to support them.

“That is why the Budget I delivered last week included £20 million in new funding to support connectivity in the Northern Isles, in a way that best supports their local communities. 

“This will support work around ferries, flights or fixed links such as tunnels and bridges. We have listened to the calls from people in Orkney and Shetland and we are taking action — that is what people in our islands can expect from this government.

“Our Budget will deliver real progress for Scotland, which is why we are asking Parliament to unite behind it.”

This funding is in addition to £50 million investment given to four councils (Orkney, Shetland, Argyll & Bute, and Highland), which operate their own ferry services, as well as £4 million to help with the increased costs of delivering services between island communities.