Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is running a public consultation on play spaces across the Outer Hebrides; to inform it’s new Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan.

Although the Comhairle does not currently have a funding programme for major improvements, it is hoped that the Play Sufficiency Assessment will help ensure that local voices shape future priorities across the islands and the findings will help shape future investment in play infrastructure.

To support the assessment, the Development Plan team is seeking feedback from children and young people, parents and carers, community councils, local groups, service providers or any individuals about the current provision of play spaces and how this can be improved.

Outdoor play is a vital part of childhood and contributes to children’s mental and physical health as well as their wellbeing and appreciation of nature. This consultation aims to evidence if children and young people in the Outer Hebrides have access to high-quality, safe places to play, and identify where facilities may be deficient.

This consultation is a chance for Island residents to shape the future of their local communities. We’re eager to hear your views on how accessible, inclusive, and varied local play opportunities are, and how they can be improved for children and young people.

• View the HebPlay StoryMap
• To comment on the Play Sufficiency Draft Report, email us at localdevplan@cne-siar.gov.uk
• Take part in the HebPlay Survey

The consultation and survey will close on Friday, 29 August 2025.

The Play Sufficiency Assessment is required to comply with the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019. It will be submitted to the Scottish Government as part of the evidence base for the Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan 3 (OHLDP-3) and used to plan how to improve the quality and accessibility of outdoor play throughout the Islands. All feedback gathered will directly inform the Finalised HebPlay - Play Sufficiency Assessment, which will be published later in 2025.

This work is part of the ongoing evidence gathering towards forming the next Local Development Plan. The plan will set out strategy and proposals for the use of land and buildings in the Outer Hebrides for the next decade. 

For more information and details on how to get involved visit our ‘HebPlay’ Play Sufficiency Assessment Consultation (Local Development Plan) webpage.