Members' Business — S6M-16901 Jamie Halcro Johnston: Scotland's Islands

That the Parliament recognises what it sees as the social and economic importance and contribution of Scotland’s islands, their residents and their businesses; further recognises what it considers are the challenges of living on and running a business on islands and delivering public services to island communities, but believes that islanders, including many from across the Highlands and Islands region, have remarkable entrepreneurship that has fostered advancements in a varied portfolio of sectors, including distilling, manufacturing, space exploration and a growing number of micro and social enterprises; values the distinctive and often unique cultural contribution of the islands to Scotland, the rest of UK and the world; believes that island communities provide many opportunities, but notes concerns that they can face many unique challenges, including the threat of depopulation, without the provision of adequate housing, healthcare, transport links and connectivity.