SCOTLAND has nearly 900 islands although just 94 are inhabited, with 89 of those offshore.
Over the centuries, some have been depopulated out of necessity, such as St Kilda, some by choice as the islanders moved elsewhere while many, of course, were brutally cleared by landowners and replaced with sheep.
Despite this, many of our islands today are thriving although some are struggling due to depopulation as youngsters who grew up there realise there’s not much to sustain them through adulthood.
There is little doubt, though, that our islands are rightly viewed as the jewels in our tourism crown.
Anyone who has ever had a picnic on a Hebridean beach, wandered around Orkney’s neolithic sites, or viewed the wildlife on Mull can easily understand why as they are fantastic places to visit.
Read More: Freedom of speech law for universities is long overdue
But while they are universally loved by most of the many visitors who make the trip, it’s fair to say politicians have a less favourable view of islands.
Utter indifference or even disdain would a fair assessment of their views.
Islands are generally viewed as godforsaken, remote outposts by........