The Scottish Government is under pressure to help struggling islanders with the cost of living, transport, regional economy and supply of homes.
In a long list of concerns at Holyrood, John Swinney faced demands to expand an air discount scheme to include work travel in a week where attention has been focused on depopulation.
Earlier this week, economic development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise suggested slashing flight prices could help fed-up islanders who have been let down by ferry disruption.
Islanders have endured frequent cancellations and the SNP government has been slated for delays to new Calmac vessels being built at Ferguson Marine on the Clyde.
A survey also found that up to 76% of residents in the Highland region believe there’s not enough affordable housing for renters.
Islanders also warned they are being driven away from their home communities due to poor transport links and a lack of homes.
While some support does exist to make travel less pricey, it was claimed more needs to be done.
Residents in areas such as Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles all currently get 50% off flights, but trips can still be hugely expensive.
‘Level playing field’
Orkney MSP Liam McArthur joined in calls for the SNP to include business travel in the discount scheme again after it was removed back in 2011.
He said the cutbacks made more than ten years ago came with “no prior consultation” and warned island economies need help to “operate on a level playing field”.
Tory MSP Graham Simpson said: “Highland and Islands Enterprise say that many island businesses rely on planes to get them on and off the islands, and that’s largely because the ferries are so unreliable.
“Cheaper air fares for businesses will bolster vital air routes. Highlands and Islands Enterprise also say that better links for everyone will help to stop depopulation.”
Mr Swinney, who was standing in for Nicola Sturgeon at First Minister’s Questions, insisted the SNP had given £77 million in support for air travel.
But he wouldn’t commit to extending the discount scheme and warned the government faced tough choices over where it could afford to spend money.
Meanwhile, Highland Tory MSP Donald Cameron pushed SNP housing chief Shona Robison on what her party was doing to stem depopulation.
‘Main driver of depopulation’
He said: “It’s clear that the lack of affordable housing is one of the main drivers of depopulation of the Highlands and Islands.
“Given that the Scottish Government has continually failed to meet its business targets for affordable homes, what action will the cabinet secretary now take to help people get a home?”
Ms Robison admitted “challenges remain” and said her party was working on taking more action to help residents struggling to find a home.
On Wednesday the Scottish Government warned it could not tackle the “sheer scale” of depopulation on its own.