What a trip to Lewis (and our northern neighbours) taught me

Earlier this month, I attended the North Atlantic & Arctic Neighbours: Building Sustainable Futures for Island Communities event in Stornoway which was hosted by Nordic Atlantic Cooperation (NORA) and the Islands Book Trust, in UHI North, West and Hebrides and Lews Castle. 

I was joined by people from all walks of life, hailing from Scotland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, and coastal Norway.

The purpose of the conference was to explore how island communities can build sustainable and vibrant futures in the face of shared challenges. 

As someone based in Shetland, the conversations really hit home. We discussed depopulation and centralised decision-making to energy transition, climate resilience, and the future of our industries and infrastructure - as well as how to attract and retain young people, manage housing pressures, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure that local voices are heard to name only a few!

As you would of course expect, climate change was at the heart of many discussions. We touched on renewables, food and energy sovereignty, sustainable transport, and the role of community-led initiatives in driving adaptation and resilience. 

Did you know that 80% of Lewis is now under community ownership? I didn’t!

The Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn (The Galson Estate Trust) is a brilliant example of what community land ownership can look like in practice. To me it seemed that it was about more than just land management. It’s about community wellbeing, local economy, and environmental stewardship, driven by the people who live there. It really stood out to me the way that they’re using their independence to do something meaningful for future generations - it felt especially relevant for places like Shetland, where giving the people in the community a say could lead to something just as powerful.

This event was a great reminder of why working together really matters. At the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub, we’re all about helping communities connect so we’re not all trying to solve the same problems on our own. It isn’t just about sharing ideas - it’s about building relationships, trust, and a sense of shared purpose.

I would like to say a big thank you to the organisers and hosts for creating such a welcoming, insightful space. I came home with a new set of eyes, and a deeper understanding of what’s happening across the North Atlantic.