Economic Development and Business Support

The mission of the Comhairle’s Economic Development services is to facilitate and support the economic, environmental, and social development of the Outer Hebrides through business, community and social enterprise support, maximising external funding form all available resources, and developing and delivering key innovative projects across the creative, cultural, tourism and traditional sectors.

Core values of the service are to proactively regenerate the Outer Hebrides’ local economy and communities, support the development of business and community enterprise, and to lead on strategic projects which contribute direct investment into the economic and social infrastructure across the Outer Hebrides.

The service employs a network of Economic Development Officers, Business Support Officers and Regeneration Officers based in Stornoway, Balivanich and Castlebay who provide support with economic regeneration and business development projects.

  • Business Gateway
  • Business Gateway offer a broad range of advice, support and financial assistance to new and developing businesses.
  • Regeneration
  • Regeneration (inc.Online Grant Applications under the Community Capital Grant Fund and the Town Centre Legacy Fund)
  • Uist Repopulation
  • Uist has been identified with the acutest population and demographic challenges, in the Outer Hebrides. Uist Repopulation Zone WG have developed a draft action plan. Critical areas have been identified and interventions proposed in the plan.