ISLAY CENTRED...
...COMMUNITY LED
Building more connected health and wellbeing on Islay
WELCOME TO ISLAY CONNECTIONS
We’re here to strengthen health and wellbeing support across Islay by connecting people, ideas
and services. We listen to our community, gather evidence, bring people together and advocate for local solutions that make sense for Islay.
OUR CHARITY
Our charity is run by local trustees who live and work on Islay.
We’re a small team focused on making life healthier, more connected and more resilient. We make decisions together, using our shared experience to shape projects that put the needs of the community first.
OUR PROJECTS
We support projects that meet real needs on Islay. Some are led by us, others by local people or organisations. All aim to improve health and wellbeing across the island.
We gather evidence, support new ideas, connect local efforts and speak up for island-focused solutions.
GET IN TOUCH
Stay in touch, share your views or get involved. You can follow us on Facebook, take part in surveys, or send us a message.
We also share updates, resources and links to help you find the information you need. So please do get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!
We want to help improve services and fill gaps in health and wellbeing services on Islay. To do so we need to know what services are available on the island, how they are being delivered and whether they are the services that are actually needed. We gather evidence and information by surveys, interviews, discussion and written reports. We aim to develop our projects by listening to what our community needs.
RECENT UPDATES FOR SOME OUR PROJECTS
Updated June 2026
Patient Travel From Islay
Our Patient Travel Advice Leaflet can make your journey smoother and less stressful.
The latest version is now available on our website, and you can also pick up printed copies from: Your local GP surgery, The dental surgery, The Patient Travel Team at Islay Hospital, at the Ferry terminals and the airport
Your feedback matters! If you spot anything missing or incorrect, let us know through our feedback form — we’ll make sure it’s put right in the next edition.
Islay Transport Volunteers
If getting to the doctor, dentist, or hospital appointment feels like a challenge — whether on Islay or across to the mainland — phone or email Rona, our new Islay Transport Co-ordinator, and we’ll do what we can to get you where you need to go.
RITA Now Speaks Gaelic
A new Gaelic module, developed with the help of The Museum of Islay Life and ICCI will bring historic images and videos into the community, Islay Hospital and Gortanvogie Care Home. RITA is set to spark conversations, comfort, and connection, especially for those living with dementia.
Islay Connections Trustee's Report 2025
Read and download our latest Annual Trustees’ Report
Islay Community First Responders
After training and accreditation by the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) Islay Community First Responder Volunteers are now providing an emergency response service for the community in partnership with the SAS
Islay Journeys for Health and Wellbeing
Read our detailed survey of patient’s journeys from Islay and Jura
Read the latest travel advice and learn about how to use the “Near Me” system to see a consultant using the internet in the Islay Hospital Newsletter