‘We want young people with families who have some connection with the islands - not people just tempted by the cash on offer,’ Mr.

The Government said the bonds would allow people to buy, build or renovate homes as well as start businesses in a bid to help them live sustainable lives on the islands.Īpplications have already been made for the scheme which includes interest expressed by a family from Ecuador in South America.īut the government's scheme been branded a 'gimmick' by critics as they say it will not address long-term issues behind the problem of depopulation. Ministers hope the initiative will address concerns that a lack of jobs and opportunities on the country's 93 inhabited islands is forcing younger locals to move to the mainland.

The first golden welcomes will be offered by the Government within weeks in a bid to tackle depopulation of the Scottish islands where populations range from one person to around 20,000. The Scottish Government is moving ahead with plans to pay young people and families £50,000 to move to some of its remotest islands with interest expressed from applicants as far away as Ecuador.

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