Small Isles to benefit from Islands Infrastructure Fund
Four Small Isles projects have been given a funding boost.
They have been awarded Islands Infrastructure Funding (IIF), based on local priorities, to sustain, enhance and develop transformational and critical infrastructure that aligns with the National Islands Plan (NIP) and its strategic objectives.
Unanimously agreed by Lochaber Area Committee members at a special meeting earlier this month, the funding will give financial stability to two projects already well under way on Canna and Eigg, allow the Foxglove project on Rum to go ahead and improve roads on Muck and Eigg. Interim Lochaber Area Committee chairman councillor Allan Henderson said: ‘The Islands Infrastructure Fund gives a financial boost to community-led infrastructure projects across the Small Isles. The £130,000 IIF awarded will make a significant difference to the people of Eigg, Rum, Canna and Muck.’
The four projects awarded money are:
▮ Isle of Canna Hub, Canna Harbour - £42,760 The Islands Infrastructure Fund will meet the surplus required to complete the Canna Hub. The hub is a new 87m² building close to Canna Pier and harbour which will provide fully accessible modern welfare facilities for the 10,000 to 15,000 annual visitors to Canna. The building will incorporate toilets, showers and a laundry. It can also function as a base for the NTS Ranger and a doctor’s surgery.
▮ Foxglove, Isle of Rum Trust - £20,000 Capital works required to bring the Foxglove building back into use as new permanent accommodation on the island.
▮ An Laimhrig Community Hub – Isle of Eigg Trading Company - £50,000
Programme of external works at An Laimhrig including surface water drainage works, paving and accessible ramps.
These aspects require to be completed ahead of tarring and to support opening of the building. These are essential infrastructure elements to the overall accessibility of the area.
Small Isles Road Infrastructure Improvements – Highland Council - £17,240 Road improvements on Muck and Eigg. Within the IIF, Highland Council received an award of £510,000 to deliver infrastructure projects across Skye, Raasay and the Small Isles.
The deadline for drawdown of the funding is Thursday March 31, however, it is expected future tranches of funding will have a more achievable timeframe to allow for more projects to apply.