New funding to improve island infrastructure

The Scottish Government has announced a £4 million funding package to help improve infrastructure on Scotland’s islands.

The capital investment will be allocated to the six local authorities with island communities to fund the improvement, creation or safeguarding of locally developed infrastructure projects. The funding is part of the £30 million Islands Programme, established to support the implementation of the National Islands Plan – a landmark strategy to improve the quality of life for island communities with 13 objectives, and more than 100 specific measures to address population decline, tackle climate change and improve transport, housing, the delivery of public services and digital connectivity.

Speaking at the Convention of Highlands and Islands, cabinet secretary for rural affairs and the Islands Mairi Gougeon MSP said: ‘This funding is complemented by ongoing planned investment which is designed to support those living on Scotland’s islands and will involve communities in the decisions on how and where investments are made.

‘The economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on our islands. The many challenges that communities have faced have been varied and that is why I am committed to delivering the National Islands Plan in partnership with our island partners.

‘I know that by working together, we can maximise the impact of our investments and support good, solid projects that will help islanders to thrive.’