Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Leader and Chief Executive met with Jenny Gilruth MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, and Alasdair Allan MSP yesterday to discuss the future of the project to deliver improved facilities to Barra and Vatersay.
The Comhairle is committed to delivering the education, leisure and social care aspects of the project but requires the continued support of Scottish Government to progress this further.
The Comhairle remains very disappointed that Michael Matheson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, announced Scottish Government’s decision to not support the delivery of a new Hospital for Barra, a key part of the original Barra and Vatersay Campus Project.
Paul Steele, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said:
“The delivery of improved education, leisure and social care facilities to Barra and Vatersay remains the Comhairle’s priority capital project. The people of Barra deserve facilities that give them equal access to essential services. Scottish Government’s funding delays and unmet commitments have already seen the removal of the hospital aspect of the project for the immediate period. It was welcome to hear the Cabinet Secretary commit to the Community Campus project at yesterday’s meeting. We will continue to engage with Government to ensure that momentum is maintained and the project is delivered. This is essential for the people of Barra and Vatersay.”