Politicians from the equal opportunities committee are heading to the isles Islay and Jura on a two-day fact-finding mission into rural loneliness
Social media savvy young islanders, a groundbreaking housing project and a ceilidh attended by more than one-hundred senior citizens are set to help MSPs understand how to tackle loneliness and isolation in remote island communities.
Politicians will make a two-day fact-finding journey to Islay as part of the Scottish Parliament’s equal opportunities committee’s age and isolation inquiry.
Since launching at the beginning of this year, the committee has heard views from young and older people with experience of loneliness and the organisations working to support them.
The committee’s Islay visit aims to understand the unique challenges that can come with living in a remote island setting.
Could the Committee learn from people and organisations in Islay on ways to tackle loneliness?
Research points to social isolation and loneliness having potentially devastating effects on mental and physical health, particularly in older and younger people.
And statistics show loneliness can increase an older person’s chances of premature death by some 14%.
Margaret McCulloch, committee convener, said: “Everyone is welcome to come to Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle, Bowmore on Monday 11 May at 10am and watch the equal opportunities committee as we continue to tackle the very serious issue of social isolation and loneliness.
“The key questions for the committee are: what is the impact of loneliness and social isolation on people in remote island areas, is this an escalating problem, and how can it be tackled effectively?”
“If you are an older or younger person and experiencing loneliness, we understand that the effects can be devastating. We know that wherever you live there can be stigma around admitting you are lonely, and sometimes this can be a barrier to seeking out social groups and services that could help.
“But we also know that far more people living in remote rural areas cite friendliness as something they really like about their community, compared to urban areas, and more people living in remote rural areas give up their time to volunteer than in the rest of Scotland.
She added: “Could the committee learn from people and organisations in Islay on ways to tackle loneliness? Are there innovative projects that help people in Scotland make the kind of social connections that many of us take for granted? We want to hear about the challenges faced by people living in remote locations.”
The committee will travel also to Jura, to meet staff and residents of a first-of-its-kind development that helps older people to continue living independent lives on the island.
The lonely life: Kerry Baker, 24, from Bowmore
For me, the sense of isolation really hit home when I became a teenager. I was developing a wider range of interests but island life doesn't offer that kind of diversity. I rarely drink, but when I turned 18 I felt the only activity on offer was the pub.
I like music but if you want to go to a concert, it means a five hour bus and ferry-trip to Glasgow. Not being able to go to concerts is a big thing for young people here.
You really need a car if you live in Islay, but unfortunately I have epilepsy and can’t drive. Working is important to me and I know that young people who don’t have a job can feel very isolated.
Two years ago I was diagnosed with depression. Unfortunately, the available mental health support in Argyll is very limited, some friends have had to go to private clinics on the mainland.
It got to the point where I thought a move could help, and I lived in Glasgow for a few months with my sister. But city life isn't for me either, I missed Islay. Even after everything, I still like it here.
