You could be paid £50,000 to move to a Scottish island

Virgin Radio

26 May 2022, 13:30

If you fancy a change, you could earn some serious cash for relocating.

Maybe life is too busy and you fancy a slower pace, but for whatever the reason, this new scheme could be just the ticket for you.

A Scottish government scheme wants to pay people up to £50,000 to relocate to an island.

The scheme aims to reverse the depopulation in areas like Orkney and the Isle Of Skye.

Up to 100 families and young people are set to receive the reward between now and 2026.

Some reports claim applicants have come from as far afield as South America. 

The National Islands Plan was set up by government officials in 2021.

They are hoping to increase the number of residents on the islands.

It's not like you would be moving to somewhere ugly either, as some of these islands are regarded as some of the most beautiful places in the world. 

The £5 million Islands Bond fund plan stated: “The Scottish Government committed to developing a £5 million Islands Bond fund, providing up to £50,000 each for up to 100 households by 2026, by providing financial support for island residents to remain in their community, or to encourage people to move there.

“We launched the Islands Bond consultation on 2 August 2021, providing an opportunity for our island residents in particular to identify the key challenges that a bond may be able to respond to.”

Some existing islanders and councillors are concerned about the idea.

Liam McArthur, the Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Orkney, wrote on Twitter: “Rather than offering bribes to individuals, which could prove divisive, Scottish Ministers should commit to investing in projects that benefit whole island communities such as new ferries or faster broadband.”

“The proposed islands bond is set to benefit only a small minority,” he said.

“It also has the potential to open up divisions rather than tackle the root causes of depopulation in island communities.”

Liam said a lack of good transport links and infrastructure is just one of the reasons people leave.

He added: “Poor transport connections, non-existent broadband and unaffordable housing are just some of the factors holding back economic prosperity.”

Would you be tempted?