Scottish Government has today announced the awarding of more than £700,000 of Islands Programme funding to projects in North Uist and Eriskay.
The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands approved the Comhairle’s applications for funding as follows:
Application Project Title: Ionad Eilean na h-Oige Phase 2
2024/25 Islands Programme award: £651,000
Application Project Title: Taigh Chearsabhagh Creative Hub
2024/25 Islands Programme award: £50,500
The funding awarded to Ionad Eilean na h-Oige will support phase 2 of the development of the former Eriskay School building. Phase 2 will see the construction of four wellbeing suites and a laundrette. The development will provide space for community activities and include a Community Library, offices, and short term accommodation for workshop professionals, artists, traditional skills workshops and wellness services.
The funding awarded to Taigh Chearsabhagh Creative Hub will support the cost of surveys and initial requirements and investigations to facilitate the detailed design of a proposed new studio hub space for creative practitioners in Uist.
Cllr, Donald Crichton, Chair of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Sustainable Development Committee, said:
“The decision to award this funding is a very welcome one. Both projects will provide real benefits to their respective communities. I congratulate all involved for their work in securing Islands Programme Funding and taking their respective projects to this stage.”
Neil Rutherford, Senior Associate Director – Place, Housing and Economic Growth, Scottish Futures Trust:
“Our infrastructure experts have worked closely with the island Local Authorities and Scottish Government to ensure the Islands Programme continues to deliver positive outcomes for the island communities.
“This new funding will go a long way to support repopulation, economic growth and local jobs, and we’re looking forward to continuing to work with the project teams to see their visions move into reality and achieve what the communities need most.”