Western Isles projects get boost with Holyrood cash
A selection of Hebridean redevelopment projects were among the latest recipients of Islands Programme funding, writes Jamie Wills.
Three projects on Lewis and Harris have received grants, with £250,000 going to Stornoway UHI Campus for mobile and interactive technology.
Improvements to the Grade 2 listed An Taigh Mòr on Lewis will receive £78,350, while Seallam! Hebrides People Visitor Centre in South Harris has been awarded £55,000.
One project in Uist will benefit from the money, as Eriskay and South Uist will receive £382,307 for the Acarsaid Harbour Development.
The harbour cash is for an enlarged concrete deck pier and extended pontoon. The improvements are projected to extend the facility’s life by 50 years and provide space for additional shellfish landings.
In the Small Isles, the Canna Hub will receive £298,900 as it redevelops a coal store beside Canna pier into a reception hub for visitors, coupled with an NHS consultation room.
The news was announced by islands secretary Mairi Gougeon, pictured, whilst at a sustainable islands conference in Shetland, who said: “I recognise the continued resilience shown by islanders in response to the climate and cost of living crises, but I am mindful that ongoing support is needed in order to ensure the long term sustainability of our island communities.
“This new funding displays our commitment to enact our National Islands Plan across all six island authorities in Scotland in order to tackle island depopulation, boost local economies and bolster tourism.”
Ms Gougeon’s comments were echoed by Alasdair Allan, MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, who said: “I am delighted that funding totalling £765,657 will go towards four key projects in the Western Isles, announced by the cabinet secretary for islands today.
“People all over the Western Isles continue to suffer from the cost of living crisis, and today’s announcement comes at a critical times, with all budgets being stretched to their limit.
“As we navigate both the cost of living and the climate crises, we must continue to support Scotland’s rural and island communities to ensure their long-term sustainability and tackle depopulation.”
The Islands Programme was established in March 2022 to support the implementation of the National Islands Plan. Its delivery is assisted by Scottish Futures Trust.
Neil Rutherford, senior associate director of Scottish Futures Trust, said: “Our infrastructure experts have worked closely with the Scottish Government and the island local authorities to ensure the Islands Programme continues to deliver positive outcomes for island communities.
“The awards further support equality of opportunity, and community social enterprise ventures that will support repopulation, economic growth and local jobs, and we’re looking forward to continuing to work with the community project teams to see their visions move into reality and achieve what the communities need most.”