A NEW vision of the Isle of Cumbrae in 2032 has been given the green light by North Ayrshire Council’s cabinet.

The ten year Local Islands Plan sets out the important and pressing the issues on the island and how to address these across the next decade.

Three key themes have been identified by the council, to create an accessible and green economy on the island, a resilient and innovative community and a transition to net-zero.

Key priorities going forward include improving the resilience of island businesses, diversifying the economy, ensuring a reliable ferry service and attracting new families to come and live on Cumbrae.

The Local Island Plan Delivery Group will be responsible for delivery the changes in the plan, and will be made up of public, private, third sector and community representation.

Cllr Alex Gallagher, portfolio holder for the island, says the plan is a first for Scotland.

He said: “The work that has gone into this in less than a year by the team and the community who have supported it is just fantastic.

“It is an excellent initiative that is something fresh and new, and I’m not sure anyone has attempted to put together an island plan and enact that vision.

“We are not just outlining a proposal, we are trying to put some flesh on the bones and that is real pioneering work.

“The key thing for me is that we have the plan but also actions needed to make it a reality."

Cllr Gallagher believes that the large-scale projects on the island such as the flood defence scheme and future marina help driving the overhaul.

He explained: “All of the big projects happening on the island will be complemented by all these smaller actions.

“I hope the people on the island appreciate it and in ten years’ time we can look back and see it has been a success.

“I want to have improved some of the things we know are wrong there like population decline and a lack of economic development.

“Cumbrae was disproportionately hit, both economically and socially, during the pandemic, which exposed how fragile island economies can be.

“The plan – created alongside communities on the island – is an important first step towards building the type of islands our residents want and deserve.”

The plan will be formally launched in early March and residents will get the opportunity to view and discuss is on Cumbrae on March 10.

The paper can be found online at www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/islands and paper copies will be available from early March at locations across the island.