Island projects reap rewards of Coastal Fund allocations

Seventeen projects on the Isle of Skye and Raasay are set to benefit after area committee members approved funding from the Highland Coastal Communities Fund.

A total of £505,492 was handed out, with the possibility of another allocation coming through in October.

Designed to support economic regeneration and sustainable development, the fund comes from revenue generated by Scottish Government Crown Estate marine assets.

Each year, local authorities will be allocated a proportion of the profits.

An open call for expressions of interest was held last December and 17 applications were approved at last week’s Isle of Skye and Raasay Area Committee meeting.

Committee chairman Councillor John Gordon said: ‘This funding will make a huge difference for not only local people but in terms of supporting tourism in Skye and Raasay.

‘This will be an annual application so we can empower communities in terms of how this money can be spent.

‘As well as the good news about this funding, it will give groups and communities a chance to think about what would help them in the future.

‘This is just the kind of news everyone needs after coming through such a difficult year.’

After each application was carefully considered on its merits and conditions placed upon projects at the expression of interest stage, the following were successful:

Radio Skye (£18,400); Kyleakin and Kylerhea Community Council – Castle access paths (£6,278); Geary Common Grazings Committee – Geary Crofting Township regeneration (£15,125); Broadford and Strath Community Co – Elgol toilets and visitor facilities (£34,500); Portree and Braes Community Trust – Camanachd Square feasibility study (£31,500); Edinbane Community Company Ltd – Lyndale multi-user path (£25,000); Skye Sailing Club – safety boat renewal (£22,556); Sleat Community Trust – Toremore forest (£13,560); Minginish Community Hall Association – path and habitat improvement (£5,000); Broadford and Strath Community Co – Corry Capers (£11, 612.50); Climavore CIC – Climavore Builds (£7,000); Raasay Development Trust - Raasay community pontoon and offshore facilities (£74,003); Broadford and Strath Community Co – introduction of a community development officer (£34,200); Kilmuir Community Trust – Kilmuir Community Hub phase one (£50,000); Highland Council – Kilt Rock car park extension (£57,100); Kyleakin Connections – KC plus (£64,578); Hebridean Diving Services – coastal defence adjacent to Stein jetty (£25,000).

Two projects were deferred by members, the Ionad Throndairnis – Guthan na Tire/Voices of the Land and the Staffin slipway redevelopment, due to concerns around shortfalls in match funding and failing to meet all the conditions of application.

However, members said they remain committed to both projects and if future HCCF funding allows these should be considered at that time.