Island Studies Networks and Organisations
In the Scottish Centre for Island Studies we work with and are inspired by a number of excellent networks and key partner organisations to facilitate, collaborate and share our focus on island and coastal communities and cultures in both Scotland’s local and related global contexts including those listed here. Please do click on the links provided for a fuller detailing of each organisation and activity.
International Small Islands Studies Association(ISISA) is a voluntary, non-profit and independent organisation. Our objectives are to study islands on their own terms, and to encourage free scholarly discussion on small island related matters such as islandness, smallness, insularity, dependency, resource management and environment, and the nature of island life.
Island studies and the University of Prince Edward Island: The University of Prince Edward Island is uniquely placed to offer Canada’s only Minor in Island Studies. The University already houses the Institute of Island Studies, one of the world’s leading small islands research and public policy institutes. The academic program in Island Studies balances the University’s traditional strength in researching and teaching Prince Edward Island topics with its increasing reputation for advancing international island studies.
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Scotland’s National Gaelic HEI, UHI Skye: Tha campas ùr-nòsach seo, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, stèidhichte ann an àite àlainn taobh a deas leth-eilean Slèite san Eilean Sgitheanach, a tabhann cùrsaichean ceum agus clasaichean cànan an Alba a tha a mhàin air an teagasg tro meadhan na Gàidhlig. Tha cholaiste a suidhe ann a cridhe coimhearsnachd far a bheil iomadh duine a bruidhinn sa Ghàidhlig na dòigh beatha gach latha.
UHI Island Studies: This masters programme is the only dedicated postgraduate degree in Island Studies in Scotland. It focuses on the study of islands and their communities, both in Scotland and internationally. Delivered by the Institute for Northern Studies, the MLitt Island Studies gives you the opportunity to explore the islands of the world.
Intercultural Research Centre: Heriot-Watt University The Intercultural Research Centre (IRC) addresses key intercultural issues arising from the changing global context. It makes original contributions to the study of interculturality with a particular focus on comparative work emphasising the applied dimensions of culture, defined broadly in anthropological terms. A number of SCIS colleagues are members of the IRC.
Islands Book Trust, Scotland The Trust publishes, holds events, provides resources and networks for a range of island related themes. Please click the link for full information.
Scottish Centre for Geopoetics: The Scottish Centre for Geopoetics was established in 1995 by Tony McManus and others and is affiliated to the International Institute of Geopoetics founded by Kenneth White in 1989. The Scottish Centre for Geopooetics is a network of individuals who share a common interest in developing an understanding of geopoetics as the creative expression of the Earth and applying it in their lives. We organise talks, discussions, day and weekend events, conferences and courses, including field work in interesting places, which are designed to extend our knowledge and experience of geopoetics.
“The geopoetic project is not one more contribution to the cultural variety show, nor is it a literary school, nor is it concerned with poetry as an art of intimacy. It is a major movement involving the very foundations of human life on earth.” Inaugural text of the International Institute of Geopoetics.
Scottish Islands Federation: Formed over 10 years ago, the Scottish Islands Federation (SIF) is a network of island communities working together to have a stronger voice on common challenges, and to share ideas and innovation to accelerate change. The overarching aim of SIF is to promote, publicise and advance the interests of Scotland’s 93 inhabited islands and our objectives are to:
- Develop a broad and inclusive membership from all Scottish Islands
- Ensure community and voluntary groups have a voice and are well represented within the federation
- Work with councils, agencies and the Scottish Government to ensure that island needs are well understood
- Represent the interests of Scottish islands at regional, national and European levels
- Share good practices and facilitate information exchange amongst Scottish islanders
- Encourage networking on and between islands throughout Scotland and Europe
- Acquire, disseminate, and utilise knowledge resources for islanders
- SIF is driven by its members and managed by a voluntary board of directors and is currently supported through the Scottish Government Islands Team and member subscriptions. https://www.scottish-islands-federation.co.uk/about-us/
Island Dynamics was founded in Shetland, UK in 2009. Island Dynamics is today an independent research organisation based in the island city of Copenhagen, Denmark. Island Dynamics has a strong network of institutional collaborators and research partners. Island Dynamics has entered into formal research and project partnerships with academic institutions in Australia, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Greenland, Isle of Man, Japan, Malta, the Philippines, Portugal, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the USA, and we have undertaken research in island and coastal communities around the world. https://www.islanddynamics.org/about
Scottish Centre for Island Studies 