Scholarships are being offered to scientists willing to relocate to remote Scottish islands as part of efforts to protect them for the future.

The scheme, which will offer fully funded places on specialist master’s courses, is being seen as a pilot that will inform efforts to attract more academic talent to the area.

The Scottish government recently launched a renewed National Islands Plan that seeks to retain and strengthen the population of the country’s approximately 100 inhabited islands.

While the population of the islands as a whole has grown in the past 20 years, in line with the overall trend in Scotland, there is considerable variation, and some islands have a declining population, according to the latest figures.

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Between 2002 and 2022, the population in Arran, Bute and the Cumbraes and the Shetland – Outer islands declined by 13 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively.

Heriot-Watt University has worked with the government and Orkney Islands Council to develop the new opportunities for postgraduate students, launched on 22 March.

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Applications have opened for the scholarships, which will support 15 students to take MSc courses in marine renewable energy, renewable and sustainable energy transition and international marine science.

Ten places will be reserved for Scottish and UK students, with another five available for international applicants.

The students will study at Heriot-Watt’s International Centre for Island Technology in Stromness, Orkney and start in September this year.

The university, which has had a base in Orkney for more than 35 years, said students who study on the islands often choose to remain there.  

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Mairi Gougeon, the islands secretary in the Scottish government, said that “thriving island communities are essential to Scotland’s present and future success”.                                                                                                

“This innovative scheme will help retain and attract talent to our islands, equipping communities with the skills needed to drive sustainable growth and long‑term resilience. 

“Supporting postgraduate education in places like Orkney helps ensure Scottish islands continue to lead globally in renewable energy innovation and marine science.”

tom.williams@timeshighereducation.com